Name: Easy Instant Pot® Green Moong Dal Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion; ½ tbsp garlic; ½ tbsp ground ginger; 1 tsp cumin; 1 cup moong dal; 3 cups water; 1 tsp coriander; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp garam masala; ½ tsp Cayenne pepper; 1 pinch ground turmeric; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp cilantro

This easy Instant Pot® green moong dal recipe brings together a delightful mix of flavors and textures, making it a comforting dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this nutritious and hearty meal is packed with protein and spices that will warm you up from the inside out.

Photos of Easy Instant Pot® Green Moong Dal Recipe

Some ingredients in this recipe you may not commonly have at home include moong dal, garam masala, and cayenne pepper. These can typically be found in the international or spice aisle of your local supermarket. Be sure to check these sections to find what you need.

Ingredients For Easy Instant Pot® Green Moong Dal Recipe

Olive oil: A healthy fat used for sautéing the base ingredients, giving a rich flavor.

Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.

Garlic: Provides an aromatic and flavor boost.

Ground ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the garlic.

Cumin: A spice with a distinctive earthy flavor that enhances the dish.

Moong dal: The main ingredient, these green lentils are nutritious and have a mild flavor.

Water: Necessary for cooking the lentils to the perfect consistency.

Coriander: Adds a fresh and citrusy flavor to the dish.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.

Garam masala: A complex spice blend that brings warmth and depth to the dish.

Cayenne pepper: Adds a kick of heat to the recipe.

Ground turmeric: Gives color and a subtle earthy flavor.

Lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightens the flavors of the dish.

Cilantro: A finishing herb that adds freshness and a touch of color.

One reader, Kakalina Ballard says:

This easy Instant Pot® green moong dal recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and it’s incredibly simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights. The spices blend beautifully, and the lemon juice adds a refreshing touch. Highly recommend!

Kakalina Ballard

Key Techniques for Making Instant Pot Green Moong Dal

How to use a multi-functional pressure cooker: Explanation on selecting the sauté function, setting high pressure, and using the natural-release method. How to sauté: Explanation on heating olive oil and cooking onions, garlic, ginger, and cumin until tender. How to combine ingredients: Explanation on adding moong dal, water, and spices to the pressure cooker. How to release pressure: Explanation on using the natural-release method according to the manufacturer's instructions. How to stir in ingredients: Explanation on adding lemon juice and cilantro after cooking.

How To Make Easy Instant Pot® Green Moong Dal

Make an easy, fuss-free soup with this green moong dal cooked with a blend of spices, finished with a dash of lemon juice and cilantro.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1tbspolive oil
1onion,diced
½tbspgarlic,minced
½tbspground ginger
1tspcumin
1cupmoong dal,(split husked mung beans)
3cupswater
1tspcoriander
1tspsalt
1tspgaram masala
½tspcayenne pepper
1pinchground turmeric
1tbsplemon juice
1tbspcilantro,chopped

Instructions

Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function.
Heat olive oil, then add onions, garlic, ginger, and cumin. Cook for about 2 minutes until tender.
Combine moong dal lentils, water, coriander, salt, garam masala, cayenne pepper, and turmeric in a multi-functional pressure cooker. Close and lock the lid.
Select high pressure according to manufacturer’s instructions; set timer for 15 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
Release pressure for 10 to 40 minutes using the natural-release method according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Unlock and remove the lid. Stir in lemon juice and cilantro.

Nutrition

Calories: 60.22kcal
Fat: 3.77g
Saturated Fat: 0.54g
Trans Fat: 0.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.62g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.44g
Carbohydrates: 6.53g
Fiber: 1.55g
Sugar: 2.57g
Protein: 1.49g
Sodium: 571.77mg
Calcium: 30.97mg
Potassium: 128.18mg
Iron: 0.98mg
Vitamin A: 6.26µg
Vitamin C: 8.12mg

Pro Tip for Perfecting easy instant pot® green moong dal recipe

To enhance the flavor of the moong dal, toast the cumin seeds in the olive oil until they start to crackle before adding the onion, garlic, and ginger. This will release their essential oils and create a more aromatic base for the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for easy instant pot® green moong dal recipe

Prep ingredients ahead: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-measured spices: Measure out the cumin, coriander, garam masala, cayenne pepper, and turmeric before starting to streamline the process.

Rinse moong dal: Rinse the moong dal thoroughly before cooking to reduce cooking time and improve texture.

Natural release shortcut: After 10 minutes of natural release, carefully switch to quick release to save time.

Instant pot settings: Familiarize yourself with your Instant Pot® settings to quickly select the right functions.

Substitute Ingredients For Easy Instant Pot® Green Moong Dal Recipe

olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness and works well with the spices in the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a slight sweetness to the dal.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor.
ground ginger - Substitute with fresh ginger: Fresh ginger can provide a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
cumin - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy flavor and can be used in place of cumin.
moong dal - Substitute with red lentils: Red lentils cook quickly and have a similar texture to moong dal.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more depth of flavor compared to plain water.
coriander - Substitute with ground fennel: Ground fennel has a sweet and slightly licorice-like flavor that can complement the other spices.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the dish.
garam masala - Substitute with curry powder: Curry powder has a different blend of spices but can still provide a complex flavor profile.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika is milder and can add a subtle heat and color to the dish.
ground turmeric - Substitute with saffron: Saffron can add a similar color and a unique flavor, though it is more expensive.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness to the dish.
cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can add a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and a similar green color.

Best Presentation Ideas for Instant Pot Green Moong Dal

Serve in a shallow, wide bowl: Choose a pristine white bowl to contrast the vibrant colors of the green moong dal.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Finely chop cilantro and sprinkle it generously over the dal for a burst of color and freshness.
Add a dollop of yogurt: Place a small spoonful of creamy yogurt in the center of the dal to add a cooling element and visual appeal.
Drizzle with olive oil: Lightly drizzle extra olive oil around the edges of the bowl to add a touch of elegance and richness.
Use microgreens: Top the dal with a few sprigs of microgreens for an added layer of sophistication and a pop of green.
Serve with lemon wedges: Place a couple of lemon wedges on the side of the bowl to allow diners to add a fresh squeeze of citrus.
Accompany with naan or flatbread: Serve a piece of warm naan or flatbread on the side, neatly folded or rolled, to complement the dish.
Sprinkle with spices: Lightly dust the top with a pinch of ground turmeric and cayenne pepper for an extra layer of flavor and visual interest.
Use a clean, minimalist presentation: Ensure the bowl and surrounding area are spotless, emphasizing the simplicity and elegance of the dish.
Finish with a touch of lemon juice: Just before serving, add a final squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the flavors and brighten the dish.

Storage and Freezing Instructions for Green Moong Dal

Once the moong dal has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you want to freeze the moong dal, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later on.
When stored properly in the freezer, the moong dal can last for up to 3 months.
To reheat the frozen moong dal, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat it in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a little water or vegetable broth to adjust the consistency if it has thickened too much during storage.
Alternatively, you can reheat the thawed moong dal in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap (leaving a small vent for steam to escape), and heat on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until heated through.

Interesting Trivia About Green Moong Dal

A random fact about this recipe is that moong dal is a type of lentil that is highly nutritious and easy to digest. It is often used in Indian cuisine and is known for its high protein content, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Budget-Friendly: Is Making Green Moong Dal at Home Cost-Effective?

This easy instant pot® green moong dal recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like moong dal, onion, and spices are inexpensive and widely available. With minimal use of olive oil and a splash of lemon juice, the overall cost remains low. For a household of 4 people, the approximate cost is around $5-$7 USD. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is Green Moong Dal Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for instant pot green moong dal is generally healthy, as it incorporates several nutritious ingredients:

Moong dal lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals
Onions, garlic, and ginger provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
Spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric offer potential health benefits and add flavor without extra calories

However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:

The recipe calls for olive oil, which is a healthy fat, but the quantity could be reduced to minimize overall calorie content
The salt content may be a bit high for some individuals, especially those with hypertension or other cardiovascular concerns

To further enhance the nutritional value of this dish, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the variety of vegetables by adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Replace olive oil with a lower-calorie cooking spray or use a smaller amount of a heart-healthy oil like avocado oil
Reduce the salt content by half and allow individuals to adjust seasoning to their preference
Serve the dal with a side of non-starchy vegetables or a leafy green salad to increase the overall nutrient density of the meal
Opt for brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice as an accompaniment to add more fiber and protein

Editor's Opinion on This Instant Pot Green Moong Dal Recipe

This recipe for green moong dal is a delightful blend of spices and simplicity, perfect for a nutritious meal. The use of an Instant Pot® makes it incredibly convenient, cutting down on traditional cooking time. The combination of cumin, coriander, and garam masala provides a rich, aromatic flavor profile, while the lemon juice and cilantro add a fresh, zesty finish. However, consider sautéing the spices a bit longer to deepen their flavors. Overall, it's a well-balanced, easy-to-follow recipe that delivers a comforting and flavorful dish.

Enhance Your Easy Instant Pot® Green Moong Dal Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Cucumber Raita: Cool down the spice with a refreshing cucumber raita. The creamy yogurt mixed with crisp cucumber and a hint of mint will balance the warmth of the green moong dal perfectly.

Garlic Naan: Pair your dish with warm, fluffy garlic naan. The buttery bread infused with aromatic garlic will be a delightful companion, perfect for scooping up every last bit of the flavorful dal.

Mango Chutney: Add a burst of sweetness with a tangy mango chutney. The vibrant mango flavors, combined with a touch of spice, will create a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.

Spiced Rice Pilaf: Elevate your meal with a fragrant spiced rice pilaf. The basmati rice cooked with aromatic spices like cardamom and cloves will complement the earthy tones of the green moong dal.

Roasted Cauliflower: For a touch of crunch, serve some roasted cauliflower. The cauliflower florets, caramelized to perfection with a hint of smokiness, will add a delightful texture contrast to your meal.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Enjoyed This Green Moong Dal

Instant Pot® Red Lentil Curry: Dive into a bowl of creamy red lentil curry made effortlessly in your Instant Pot®. This dish is a symphony of spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk, creating a rich and satisfying meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner night!

Chana Masala: Experience the robust flavors of chickpeas simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce. This Indian classic is packed with spices and is best enjoyed with basmati rice or naan.

Instant Pot® Aloo Gobi: Savor the delightful combination of potatoes and cauliflower cooked to perfection in your Instant Pot®. This vegetarian dish is infused with turmeric, cumin, and coriander, making it a flavorful and healthy option.

Palak Paneer: Indulge in the creamy goodness of paneer cubes nestled in a vibrant spinach sauce. This North Indian favorite is rich in iron and protein, offering a nutritious and delicious meal.

Instant Pot® Chicken Tikka Masala: Treat yourself to tender chicken pieces marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a luscious tomato-cream sauce. This restaurant favorite can now be made easily at home with your Instant Pot®.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Green Moong Dal

Appetizers:

Spiced Chickpea Crostini: Spiced Chickpea Crostini is a delightful starter that combines the crunch of toasted baguette slices with the creamy texture of mashed chickpeas. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, this appetizer is elevated with a hint of lemon zest and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Perfect for a gathering, it offers a burst of flavor in every bite.

Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers: Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers are a vibrant and colorful appetizer that will captivate your guests. These bite-sized bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of quinoa, black beans, and corn, seasoned with smoked paprika and lime juice. Topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cilantro, they offer a refreshing and satisfying start to any meal.

Desserts:

Mango Lassi Cheesecake: Mango Lassi Cheesecake: Imagine a creamy cheesecake infused with the exotic flavors of mango and cardamom. This dessert combines the richness of cream cheese with the refreshing taste of mango puree, all set on a crunchy graham cracker crust. A hint of yogurt adds a tangy twist, reminiscent of the traditional lassi drink. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of elegance.

Chai-Spiced Rice Pudding: Chai-Spiced Rice Pudding: Elevate your classic rice pudding with the warm, aromatic spices of chai. This dessert features creamy rice cooked to perfection in milk and infused with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and a touch of ginger. Sweetened with brown sugar and a splash of vanilla extract, this comforting treat is perfect for any occasion. Top with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a handful of toasted almonds for added texture and flavor.

Why trust this Easy Instant Pot® Green Moong Dal Recipe:

This recipe is a must-try because it combines the rich flavors of garam masala and cumin with the wholesome goodness of moong dal. Using an Instant Pot® ensures a quick and hassle-free cooking process, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The addition of lemon juice and fresh cilantro at the end brightens up the dish, giving it a fresh and vibrant finish. Trust this recipe for its simplicity, flavor, and the use of nutritious ingredients.

Want to share your experience with this Easy Instant Pot® Green Moong Dal Recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum section and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ:

How long does it take to cook green moong dal in an Instant Pot?

It takes about 15 minutes of cooking time under high pressure, plus an additional 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to build and another 10 to 40 minutes for natural pressure release.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil?

Yes, you can use any cooking oil you prefer, such as vegetable oil, coconut oil, or ghee for a richer flavor.

Do I need to soak the moong dal before cooking?

No, you don't need to soak the moong dal before cooking it in the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking process will soften the lentils perfectly.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like tomatoes, spinach, or carrots. Just chop them up and add them in step 3 with the other ingredients.

How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat level?

The dish has a moderate level of heat due to the cayenne pepper. If you prefer it milder, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. If you like it spicier, feel free to add more!