Masoor Dal / Brown Lentils

For a quick & easy comforting dinner in under 30 minutes, make my traditional Indian Masoor Dal (Brown Lentils) – it’s a fast meal favorite that’s packed with flavor and seasoned to perfection!

I’ve been listening to so many health-related podcasts lately and after each episode, I find myself reaching for more veggies! One way I’ve been upping my fiber and protein is pairing the vegetables with dal (lentils). This Instant Pot Masoor Dal recipe is classic Indian comfort food and features onions, bell pepper, zucchini, Thai green chilis and pantry staple spices – it feels like a warm hug in a bowl! Serve dal with rice, quinoa, rotli, or simply on its own!

Watch me make it here. Hope you enjoy and don’t forget to tag me on @thechutneylife when you make it! Happy Eating!

More Delicious Dal Recipes You’ll Love!

Dal Tadka with Chickpeas
Moong Dal Pudla
Mom’s Dal Fry

Few Important Tips:

• For a fully vegan recipe, substitute your favorite cooking oil for the ghee.
• Soaking lentils in water for 30 minutes will speed up the cooking process.
• It’s important to follow the cooking order in the instructions for this to turn out just right.
• Spinach or carrots make nice add-ins to the Masoor Dal.

My Favorite Pots, Pans & Kitchen Tools

These are the cookware pieces I reach for every single day. They’re durable, reliable, and totally worth the shelf space. Shop my tried-and-true essentials here.

• Stainless Steel Kadai Pan – Perfect for everyday cooking 
• Stainless Steel Saute Pan – My go-to for stir fries, saucy mains and one pan meals.
• Stainless Steel Dutch Oven – Great for meal prep – heavy-duty, versatile, and made to last a lifetime.
• Cast Iron Griddle – Ideal for rotis, pancakes, quesadillas, and more. 
• Stainless Steel Kitchen Tweezers – I love using these for plating and handling delicate foods. 
• Vegetable Chopper – Fast and uniform prep, perfect for the type a’s. Dice veggies in seconds and cut your prep time in half

What is Masoor Dal?

Masoor dal (or dahl, dhal) is another name for split red lentils or whole brown lentils and also for the flavorful dishes made from them. Masoor Dal is quick and easy to cook and has a mild, lightly sweet, earthy taste, making them perfect for soups, stews, and curries.

Is Masoor Dal Healthy?

Masoor Dal is highly nutritious and heart healthy! It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein (ideal for vegans and vegetarians) and is high in fiber, loaded with essential amino acids and minerals, and helps lower LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure.