Instant Pot Masoor-Moong Dal & Rice (Indian Lentils & Rice, One-Pot, 13-Minute Method)

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Masoor dal (red lentils) (Rinsed and soaked if possible)
• 1/2 cup Moong dal (yellow split mung beans) (Rinsed and soaked if possible)
• 1 cup Rice (basmati or other white rice) (Rinsed)
• 5 cups Water (2 cups for rice, 3 cups for dal (plus extra if needed))
• 1 tbsp Oil (vegetable or ghee) (For rice)
• 2 tsp Salt (Divided, to taste)
• 1 tsp Garlic (Finely chopped or crushed)
• 2 tbsp Onion (Finely chopped)
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric powder
• 1 tsp Red chili powder
• 1 tsp Cumin powder
• 2 tsp Coriander powder
• 1-2 whole Dried red chili (Optional, for tadka)
• 10-12 leaves Curry leaves (Optional, for tadka)
• 1/2 whole Lemon (For serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare lentils and rice

   Rinse masoor dal, moong dal, and rice separately until water runs clear. If you have time, soak each for 10-15 minutes and drain. Discard soaking water to reduce gas-causing compounds.

   Time: PT5M

2. Assemble rice in insert

   In a heatproof bowl or Instant Pot insert, combine rinsed rice, 2 cups water, 1 tbsp oil, and 1 tsp salt. Stir well.

   Time: PT2M

3. Prepare dal mixture

   In the main Instant Pot pot, add drained masoor dal and moong dal. Add 3 cups water, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic, 2 tbsp chopped onion, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 2 tsp coriander powder. Stir to combine.

   Time: PT3M

4. Stack rice above dal

   Place trivet/stand in the dal pot. Set the rice bowl on top of the trivet, ensuring it sits above the dal and is stable.

   Time: PT1M

5. Pressure cook

   Seal the Instant Pot lid. Set to 'Pressure Cook' or 'Manual' for 13 minutes at high pressure. Allow pressure to release naturally for 2 minutes, then carefully quick-release remaining pressure.

   Time: PT15M

6. Prepare tadka (tempering)

   In a small pan or on Instant Pot 'Saute' mode, heat 1-2 tsp oil. Add 2 tbsp chopped onion, 1-2 dried red chilies, and 10-12 curry leaves (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and onions are golden.

   Time: PT2M

7. Finish dal

   Pour the hot tadka over the cooked dal. Stir well. If you prefer thinner dal, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup boiling water to adjust consistency.

   Time: PT1M

8. Serve

   Fluff rice with a fork. Serve hot dal and rice together, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Add papad or pickle if desired.

   Time: PT1M

9. Cleanup

   Wash the Instant Pot insert, rice bowl, trivet, knife, chopping board, mixing bowls, and utensils. Wipe down counters and stove.

   Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

12g

Carbohydrates

65g

Fat

5g

Fiber

7g