The Ultimate Instant Pot Dal Palak Recipe: Step By Step Guide

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Some weekdays call for a quick lunch or dinner, but sometimes, you do not want to eat a plain, boring sandwich. That is where I thank science for providing us with gadgets. The Instant Pot has made our lives so much easier as you just need to throw everything in, and it takes care of the rest. Surprisingly, there is hardly any difference in taste. So whenever I am craving desi food on weekdays, my Instant Pot comes in handy. Dal palak is a very simple but nutritious and extremely tasty dish that feels like home any day or time of the week. My instant pot dal palak recipe makes it so much easier for me to enjoy food that tastes like a Paatti’s (Grandmother’s) warm hug, so let me share it with you.

Dal palak is a vegetarian dish that is very popular in many regions of India. You can have it for lunch or dinner, and you can pair it both with chapati or plain boiled rice. Add some achar or pickles on the side, and you are in for a simple but delicious treat. The goodness of lentils, combined with a blend of spinach and herbs with aromatic Indian spices, can please the pickiest of eaters. It is also a great way to include greens in your kids’ diet subtly if they do not like salads. Indian recipes like Palak Paneer, Dal Palak or Palak Paneer Paratha subtly hide the greens and kids eat them happily. Dal Palak is usually cooked in a thick, soup-like consistency, and the flavors melt in your mouth with the aromatic tempering added in the end. I bet you already want to try it, don’t you? So let’s get cookin’! Take out your Instant Pot and let’s make delicious Instant Pot Dal Palak.​

Ingredients For Instant Pot Dal Palak

Pulses – Toor Dal (Pigeon Pea)

Toor dal or pigeon pea lentil is the main ingredient in this recipe. It is a rich source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It adds a creamy texture to the dish when cooked, making it a perfect base for the recipe.

Vegetables

Spinach, onion, and tomato are the vegetables used in this recipe. Spinach adds a vibrant green color, freshness, and a slightly bitter flavor to the dish. Onion and tomato add a sweet and tangy taste to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor.

Spices

Spices are the heart and soul of Indian cuisine, and this recipe is no exception. Cumin seeds add an earthy flavor, while turmeric powder adds a bright yellow color and a subtle, slightly bitter taste. Red chili powder and coriander powder add heat and a slightly sweet, citrusy flavor. Garam masala powder is a blend of spices, which adds depth and complexity to the dish. Asafoetida or hing adds a pungent, sulfurous flavor and aroma to the dish.

Oil and Ghee

These two ingredients are used in this recipe for cooking and tadka. Oil helps cooking the dal and vegetables, while ghee makes tadka, which enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the dish.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh coriander leaves and curry leaves add a bright, fresh flavor to the dish and balance the flavors of the spices used in the recipe.

Step By Step Instructions For Instant Pot Dal Palak

To begin, turn on the Instant Pot to sauté mode.

Next, add 1 tbsp of oil, chopped onion, and 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds. Saute for a minute until the onion is translucent and the cumin seeds are fragrant.

After that, add chopped tomato, 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp of red chili powder, 1/2 tsp of coriander powder, 1/2 tsp of garam masala powder, and 1 tsp of salt. Mix well and saute for a minute.

Following that, add chopped spinach, 1 cup of toor dal (rinsed), and 3 cups of water. Stir well.

Then, cancel the saute mode and close the instant pot lid.

Select the pressure mode and cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.

Once the cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally.

Next, open the lid and slightly mix the dal palak mixture. You can mash it slightly with a masher if desired.

In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp of ghee and add 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds. Let the seeds splutter.

Then, add 3 chopped garlic cloves, 2 broken red chilies, and a few curry leaves. Fry until the garlic turns golden brown.

After that, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and mix well.

Pour the tadka over the dal palak mixture and mix well.

Add 2 tbsp of fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Finally, serve with rice or chapati. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

​When it comes to serving the Instant Pot Dal Palak Recipe, there are various options that you can choose from to make a wholesome and satisfying meal. You can serve this delicious dal palak with curd rice, plain or flavored, to complement the flavors and textures of the dish. Additionally, you can pair it with chapati, roti, or even paniyaram, for a filling and comforting dinner. If you’re looking for some crunch, serve it with some papadum or crispy fried papad on the side. To add a tangy flavor, sprinkle some lemon juice on top of the dal palak before serving. For an enhanced taste and texture, you can top it with some fried onions or add a dollop of plain yogurt on top.

Storage Suggestions

​When it comes to storing the Instant Pot Dal Palak Recipe, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure that it stays fresh and tasty for longer. First, allow the dal palak to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container or bag and will help to prevent spoilage. Once the dal palak has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container or a ziplock bag. It’s important to remove all the air from the container or bag to prevent the dal palak from spoiling quickly. For longer storage, you can freeze the dal palak for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, you can reheat it in the microwave or on low heat in a pan. Remember to stir occasionally and add some water if needed to maintain the consistency.

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