Panchamel dal

Instant Pot Panchmel dal with rice and onions in a bowl

5 from 6 votes

Instant Pot Panchmel dal is a hearty and healthful dish with a thick, creamy texture and an amazing balance of flavors from the carefully picked spices. This authentic lentil curry recipe with a deliberate fusion of five dals makes a rich, flavorful, and inherently nutritious dish.

Prep: 10

Cook: 15

Total: 25

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Servings:

Calories: 271kcal

Author: Ruchi

Ingredients

DAL

3 tablespoons Tuvar dal split piegon peas - yellow
4 tablespoons Yellow Moong Dal split mung bean without skin
3 tablespoons Green Moong Dal split green mung bean - Moong Chilka
3 tablespoons Chana Dal split yellow chickpea lentils
3 tablespoons Red Masoor dal split red lentils

FIRST TADKA/TEMPERING

1 tablespoon Ghee
½ teaspoon Cumin Seeds
1 teaspoon Ginger finely chopped
1 small Onion chopped
1 small Green chili sliced
1 medium Tomato chopped
½ teaspoon Red chili powder
¾ teaspoon Haldi (Turmeric powder)
1 teaspoon Coriander powder
1 teaspoon Salt
2½ cups Water
2 teaspoons Kasoori or kasuri methi/ dried fenugreek leaves

SECOND TADKA/TEMPERING

2 teaspoons Ghee
A pinch of Hing/ Asafoetida
½ teaspoon Mustard seeds
½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
2 pods of Garlic thinely sliced
2 pieces of Whole red Chilies
⅛ teaspoon Red chili powder

Instructions

PREPARE DAL

Start by combining all the lentils in a large mixing bowl. Pour water and rinse the lentils by rubbing them between your fingertips. The water will become slightly dirty and cloudy.
Drain this water and repeat the process until the water is relatively clean. Rinse the lentils and drain. Set aside.
Start the Instant Pot in ‘SAUTE’ mode. Add ghee to the Instant Pot insert. Once the ghee is hot, add cumin seeds – cook the cumin seeds for a few seconds.
Add chopped ginger to the insert – cook for a minute.
Add diced onions to the Instant Pot insert. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add green chilies and diced tomatoes.
Stir in the dry spices – red chilies, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt to the insert.
Mix to combine. Sauté the spices for a minute.
Add rinsed panchmel lentils to the insert.
Pour in water. Mix until blended.
Seal the lid of the Instant Pot with the vent in the sealing position. Cancel the saute mode. Select the ‘PRESSURE COOK OR MANUAL’ mode. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, turn off the Instant Pot. Allow the pressure to release naturally. When the pin drops, carefully open the lid.
Pour water and adjust the consistency to your liking.
Press SAUTE mode again and simmer the dal for 4-5 minutes. As it starts to boil, turn the saute mode off.

PREPARE THE TEMPERING

Heat ghee in a pan. Add hing, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. As the seeds start to crackle, add garlic and saute for a minute. Add the whole chilies and red chili powder to it. Stir to combine. Take it off the flame.
Pour the tempering over the cooked dal. Stir until well blended.
Your Instant Pot Panchmel dal is ready. Crush kasoori methi in between your palms and sprinkle on the cooked dal.
Pair the Instant Pot Panchmel dal with tandoori roti, and methi paneer, create restaurant-style dining.

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions!

Can I make this Panchmel Dal in advance?

Yes, sure you can. Make this Panchmel dal a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container on cooling. Reheat it when required.

Do you need to soak the lentils?

Not necessarily. You can wash the lentils thoroughly and put them straight into the cooker or instant pot for cooking. However, you may soak it for some time to reduce the cooking time, as it softens on being soaked and cooks faster. There is no change in the taste whatsoever.

Can I store this dal?

Yes, you can store the leftover dal for 3- 4 days in the fridge. Let it cool and transfer it to an airtight container. Now, store it in the refrigerator until needed again.

Can I freeze this dal?

Yes, you can freeze this dal as it keeps good for 1- 2 months in the freezer. When needed, bring it to room temperature and reheat it in a pan adding little water. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 4- 5 mins until nice and hot.

How can I serve this dal?

Serve this dal with tandoori roti, rice, or baati. It can be paired with methi paneer and vinegar onions in the meals.

Nutrition