Skip shipping - tell your favorite store to stock our stuff by clicking here. Easy ordering through our distributor Fortune Fish & Gourmet!

Instant Pot: Punjabi Moong Dal

August 19, 2020 2 Comments

Instant Pot: Punjabi Moong Dal

Punjabi Moong Dal

AT ONCE LIGHT, AIRY, AND FLAVORFUL, THIS DAL IS A FAVORITE, ESPECIALLY IN PUNJABI HOUSEHOLDS.

We eat it at least once a week. While it may look unfamiliar to you, I know you know where it comes from. In its whole form (with the skin), it is the green Moong Bean - commonly found in most grocery stores. We make that as well, but this version, which is split without the skin is favored for its light texture and quick cooking.

Try it in your Instant Pot - I perfected it for you by adding an extra cup of water and a little more garam masala. Or check out our Stovetop version!

Because this form is less common in mainstream grocers, we sell it as part of our legume line. Look for it at these retailers and on our website.

Punjabi Moong Dal Simplest of Simple Yellow Dal

Pressure Cooker Size: 3Q or larger
Warm Up: 20 minutes
Cook: 3 minutes
Cool Down: 10 minutes plus manual release time
TOTAL: 33 minutes plus manual release time
Makes: 7 cups

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons oil or ghee
  • 1 pinch hing (asafoetida) (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ small yellow or red onion, minced
  • 1 (1-inch) piece ginger, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ - 3 Thai or serrano chiles, stems removed and minced
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon red chile powder or cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 cup duhli moong dal (dried, split, and skinned green dal), picked over and washed (they look yellow – no need to soak)
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Place the inner cooking pot in your Instant Pot. Select the SAUTE setting and adjust to MORE. When the indicator flashes HOT, add oil. Once the oil is hot, add hing and cumin. Mix well and cook for 40 seconds until the seeds are reddish brown. Because the oil pools to the sides, push spices into the oil along the border of the inner pot so they can cook fully.
  2. Add turmeric. Cook for 30 seconds.
  3. Carefully add the onion. The moisture can cause the oil to splatter. Stir well. Cook for 1 minute. 
  4. Add ginger, garlic, and fresh chiles. Cook for 1 minute, stirring well.
  5. Press CANCEL.
  6. Add garam masala, coriander, red chile, salt, dal, and water. Stir.
  7. Lock the lid into place. Make sure that the pressure release valve is in place and set to the sealing position (upwards). Press the PRESSURE COOK button until the panel indicates MORE and adjust the time to pressure cook for 3 minutes.
  8. Once the cooking is complete, release the pressure naturally for 10 minutes. Then, manually release the remaining pressure. 
  9. Add cilantro. Serve over basmati rice.



2 Responses

Sherri
Sherri

March 03, 2025

Thanks Anupy! Just to clarify, I added the cilantro garnish, but was referring to the 1 tsp of ground coriander listed in the ingredients.
———
Indian As Apple Pie replied:
Got it fixed. Thank you for the clarification!! —

Sherri
Sherri

March 01, 2025

I made this dal for the first time yesterday, and can see why you stated that you make it weekly. It’s a warm, comforting, and satiating meal.

Because I was making it for the first time, carefully following the instructions step-by-step, I almost missed adding the coriander. I’ve reread the instructions multiple times but it appears to have been accidentally omitted from them. No biggie. Just an FYI.

Thank you for the lovely recipe. I found it to be easy, quick, inexpensive, delicious, satisfying, and will most certainly be making it again in the near future.
———
Indian As Apple Pie replied:
Thank you for taking the time to let me know! It takes a village. And, so glad you enjoyed the recipe! xoxo Anupy

[A logo of a restaurant Description automatically generated] Anupy Singla | Founder the teeny tiny company with a big heart ♡ anupy@indianasapplepie.com<mailto:anupy@indianasapplepie.com> | Chicago, IL Website<http://indianasapplepie.com/> | Cookbooks<https://www.indianasapplepie.com/collections/books> | Recipes<https://www.indianasapplepie.com/blogs/indian-as-apple-pie> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/IndianAsApplePie>| Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/indianasapplepie/> | Pinterest<https://www.pinterest.com/indianasapplepie/> | YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJUjumU3giAOOEQvR0X6Axw>
———
Indian As Apple Pie replied:
Oops … looks like cilantro is in the last line of the instructions. It’s a garnish.

[A logo of a restaurant Description automatically generated] Anupy Singla | Founder the teeny tiny company with a big heart ♡ anupy@indianasapplepie.com<mailto:anupy@indianasapplepie.com> | Chicago, IL Website<http://indianasapplepie.com/> | Cookbooks<https://www.indianasapplepie.com/collections/books> | Recipes<https://www.indianasapplepie.com/blogs/indian-as-apple-pie> | Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/IndianAsApplePie>| Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/indianasapplepie/> | Pinterest<https://www.pinterest.com/indianasapplepie/> | YouTube<https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJUjumU3giAOOEQvR0X6Axw>

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Indian As Apple Pie Recipes

Blender: The Green Juice Smoothie - My Daily Obsession
Blender: The Green Juice Smoothie - My Daily Obsession

March 06, 2025

Continue Reading

Stovetop: Scratch Chana Masala, Curried Chickpeas
Stovetop: Scratch Chana Masala, Curried Chickpeas

February 27, 2025

Continue Reading

Blender: Homemade Almond Milk Kissed with Dates
Blender: Homemade Almond Milk Kissed with Dates

February 21, 2025

Continue Reading