Instant Pot Toor Dal & Tomato Recipe – Orange Infused

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Toor Dal & Tomato Recipe – Orange Infused

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, a comforting bowl of dal is a hug in a bowl. And this isn’t just any dal – this Instant Pot Toor Dal & Tomato recipe has a little secret ingredient that takes it to a whole new level: fresh orange juice! I stumbled upon this combination a few years ago, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s surprisingly bright, flavorful, and comes together so quickly thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dal is seriously a weeknight winner. It’s ready in under 30 minutes (that’s a win!), super easy to make, and packed with flavor. The orange juice adds a lovely tanginess that balances the spices beautifully. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a great option for lots of different diets. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dal:

• 1 cup dried split yellow pigeon peas (Toor Dal) – about 200g
• 3 plum tomatoes, diced – about 450g
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric – about 2.5g
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili powder – about 2.5g (adjust to your spice preference!)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin – about 10g
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander – about 10g
• 3 navel oranges, juiced – about 300ml orange juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional) – about 15g
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped – about 10g

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! Getting these right makes all the difference.

• Dried Split Yellow Pigeon Peas / Toor Dal: This is the star of the show! Make sure yours is relatively fresh – older dal can take longer to cook. A quick rinse before using is always a good idea.
• Regional Tomato Varieties: I love using ripe plum tomatoes for their sweetness and firm texture. But honestly, any good quality tomato will work. Roma tomatoes are also fantastic. Don’t be afraid to experiment with heirloom varieties if you can find them!
• Fresh Orange Juice as a Unique Flavor Component: Seriously, don’t skip this! Bottled orange juice just doesn’t have the same brightness. The acidity cuts through the richness of the dal and adds a really special flavor. I prefer navel oranges, but any sweet orange will do.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, combine the toor dal, diced tomatoes, salt, turmeric, red chili powder, cumin, and coriander in your Instant Pot.
2. Pour in 3 cups (720ml) of water and give everything a good stir to make sure the spices are well combined.
3. Now, secure the lid on your Instant Pot and set it to Pressure Cook mode for 15 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Don’t rush it!
5. Carefully open the lid and use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it’s nice and smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, don’t worry – I’ve got a tip for you in the FAQs!
6. Stir in the freshly squeezed orange juice. This is where the magic happens!
7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a little brown sugar if you like a touch of sweetness. I usually add about a tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the flavors.
8. Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot.

Expert Tips

• Soaking the Dal: While not essential with the Instant Pot, soaking the toor dal for 30 minutes beforehand can help it cook even faster and become creamier.
• Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili powder to suit your taste. Start with less and add more if you like things spicy!
• Water Level: The amount of water can slightly vary depending on your Instant Pot. If the dal seems too thick after cooking, add a little more hot water to reach your desired consistency.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your brown sugar if you’re being super strict.
• Spice Level Adjustment – Mild to Spicy: As mentioned before, adjust the red chili powder. For a milder dal, use just a pinch. For a spicier kick, add a finely chopped green chili along with the tomatoes.
• Festival Adaptations – Makar Sankranti: During Makar Sankranti, many families in India make a slightly sweeter version of dal. Increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and add a tiny pinch of grated ginger for a warming flavor.
• Adjusting Consistency for Different Dal Preferences: Some people like their dal thick and creamy, while others prefer it a bit more soupy. Adjust the amount of water or blending time to achieve your perfect consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This dal is amazing on its own with a side of fluffy basmati rice and a dollop of ghee. It also pairs beautifully with roti or naan bread. A simple cucumber raita (yogurt dip) adds a cooling contrast to the spices.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together! You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Is Toor Dal the same as Yellow Lentils? Not quite! While both are yellow legumes, toor dal is split pigeon peas, while yellow lentils are typically split yellow mung beans. They have slightly different flavors and textures.
• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, you can! Use about 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
• What if I don’t have an immersion blender? No problem! Carefully transfer the cooked dal to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
• How can I adjust the tanginess of the dal? Add more or less orange juice to taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tang.
• Can this dal be made ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance and reheat it gently on the stovetop. The flavors will actually develop even more!