Looking for a fast and comforting meal? This Quick Mix Dal Recipe is exactly what you need. Making mix dal in a pressure cooker saves time and locks in all the rich flavours without any extra effort. By combining 2 healthy lentils—toor dal and masoor dal—you get a creamy, nutritious dish that pairs perfectly with your everyday meals.
This beginner-friendly recipe uses basic whole spices to create a restaurant-style taste right in your own kitchen. Whether you are cooking lunch for your family or need a quick dinner after work, this simple pressure cooker mix dal recipe will quickly become your favourite. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to make the perfect mix dal in just a few minutes!
Also Read: Instant Mix Dal Varan Recipe: Quick & Easy Mixed Dal
Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)
- 1/4 cup masoor dal (red lentils)
- 1/2 ladle of cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
- 2 small bay leaves
- 1 black cardamom
- 1 green cardamom
- 1 piece cinnamon
- 3 star anise petals
- 2 cloves
- 4 black peppercorns (optional)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste (or crushed)
- 2 green chillies (or dried red chillies)
- 1 medium tomato (chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin-coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups warm water (adjust as needed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
Step-by-step Instructions
- Wash and soak the toor dal and masoor dal in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash the lentils 1 more time before cooking.
- Place a small pressure cooker on the stove and heat 1/2 ladle of oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 bay leaves, 1 black cardamom, 1 green cardamom, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 star anise petals, 2 cloves, and 4 black peppercorns.
- Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon crushed ginger-garlic and 2 green chillies. Sauté well.
- Add 1 chopped tomato and cook on medium heat for 1 minute until it turns soft.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1.5 teaspoons cumin-coriander powder, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Add 1 teaspoon garam masala powder and stir everything together.
- Drain the soaked lentils and add both dals to the pressure cooker. Mix properly with the cooked spices.
- Pour in the warm water, stir well, and close the pressure cooker lid.
- Cook the mix dal recipe on low heat for exactly 3 whistles.
- Turn off the flame and let the cooker pressure release naturally.
- Open the lid, stir the cooked dal, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Your quick mix dal recipe is ready to serve!
Also Read: Quick Dal Batata Recipe | Easy Lentil & Potato Curry
Cooking Tips
- Always soak the 2 dals for at least 10 minutes to reduce cooking time and improve digestion.
- Using warm water in the pressure cooker helps maintain the cooking temperature and enhances the overall flavour of the mix dal recipe.
- If you want a stronger flavour, add a second tadka (tempering) using 1 teaspoon oil or ghee, a pinch of hing (asafoetida), and 1 dried red chilli on top just before serving.
Variations
- Vegan Version: This recipe is already 100% vegan since we use oil! Just avoid using any dairy ghee for the final tempering.
- Spicy Version: Increase the red chilli powder to 2 teaspoons and add 1 extra green chilli for a fiery kick.
- Kids-Friendly Version: Skip the green chillies and whole spices like black peppercorns. Reduce the red chilli powder to 1/2 teaspoon so the mix dal is mild and easy to digest.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hot pressure cooker mix dal with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.
- It tastes amazing with 2 hot rotis, chapatis, or butter naan.
- Add a side of fresh cucumber salad, a slice of lemon, and 1 roasted papad for a complete Indian thali experience.
Also Read: Kairiche Varan Recipe | Maharashtrian Raw Mango Dal
FAQs
Q: Can I use more than 2 types of dal for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can easily add moong dal or chana dal to make a 3-dal or 4-dal mix. Just make sure to soak them well before cooking.
Q: How many whistles do I need for mix dal in a pressure cooker?
A: For this specific recipe, 3 whistles on low heat are perfect to cook the toor and masoor dal completely.
Q: Do I have to use whole spices?
A: Whole spices give this mix dal recipe a restaurant-style flavour. If you do not have them, you can skip them and rely entirely on the 1 teaspoon garam masala powder.
Q: Can I store the leftover dal?
A: Yes, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat for 1 to 2 minutes on the stove before serving.
Perfect Mix Dal Recipe In Pressure Cooker | Quick Dal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup toor dal pigeon pea lentils
- 1/4 cup masoor dal red lentils
- 1/2 ladle of cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds jeera
- 2 small bay leaves
- 1 black cardamom
- 1 green cardamom
- 1 piece cinnamon
- 3 star anise petals
- 2 cloves
- 4 black peppercorns optional
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste or crushed
- 2 green chillies or dried red chillies
- 1 medium tomato chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1.5 teaspoons cumin-coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups warm water adjust as needed
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and soak the toor dal and masoor dal in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash the lentils 1 more time before cooking.
- Place a small pressure cooker on the stove and heat 1/2 ladle of oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 2 bay leaves, 1 black cardamom, 1 green cardamom, 1 cinnamon stick, 3 star anise petals, 2 cloves, and 4 black peppercorns.
- Add 1 chopped onion and sauté until it turns golden brown.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon crushed ginger-garlic and 2 green chillies. Sauté well.
- Add 1 chopped tomato and cook on medium heat for 1 minute until it turns soft.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1.5 teaspoons cumin-coriander powder, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
- Add 1 teaspoon garam masala powder and stir everything together.
- Drain the soaked lentils and add both dals to the pressure cooker. Mix properly with the cooked spices.
- Pour in the warm water, stir well, and close the pressure cooker lid.
- Cook the mix dal recipe on low heat for exactly 3 whistles.
- Turn off the flame and let the cooker pressure release naturally.
- Open the lid, stir the cooked dal, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Your quick mix dal recipe is ready to serve!
