Here's my easy-to-follow recipe for Instant Pot Dal Makhani, a traditional Indian dish made with black lentils. This no soak recipe requires minimal effort and about 30 minutes of hands on time. Naturally vegetarian, it can be served with rice or naan for a satisfying and flavourful dinner.
Rinse the black lentils a couple of times in cold water until clear. Then, place the lentils and kidney beans and 1 litre of water in the Instant Pot pressure cooker.
Cook on Manual High for 25 minutes and let the steam release naturally. Once done, drain the black lentils and save the lentil stock.
Press the Saute button on the Instant Pot and set the timer for 35 minutes.
Add butter and whole garam masalas and saute for 1 minute.
Add ginger garlic paste, fresh tomato puree, salt, and spice powders to the masala. Mix them together and cover with a lid.
Cook on low flame for 10-12 minutes until the base masala has reduced a bit. Keep an eye on the tomato puree as it tends to bubble and throw a lot of spills.
Next, add the black lentils, kidney beans (if using), and the reserved stock after draining the dal. Stir frequently and cover.
Cook for at least 20 minutes until the lentils integrate and thicken. If needed, add more water as necessary. For a better taste, simmer and cook for a longer time.
Once the desired consistency is achieved, add cream, butter, kasuri methi, and stir well. Cook for another 5 minutes and switch off.
Serve Instant Pot Black lentils dal with Naan or rice.
Video
Notes
SUBSTITUTIONS
Soaking Urad Dal is not required for this process. Dal Makhani generally tends to thicken after it cools down. So always make sure to leave a little thin consistency when you switch off the flame.
If you would like to add Kidney beans to the Black Daal, add 1/2 a can of cooked kidney beans.
If you don't have enough stock left from the cooked Black Dal, add water instead.
If you don't want to use Whole Garam masalas, use 1 Tsp Garam masala powder.
Instead of Fresh Tomato Puree, you can use about 75g of Tomato paste. Dilute the tomato paste with water before using it in the recipe.