2-3 small green chilies finely minced (adjust according to spice preference)
2 teaspoons salt (or according to taste)
½ large lemon for garnish
¾ cup prewashed mug ni daar (petite split yellow lentils / split and dehusked mung beans)
2 cups water
3-4 sprigs fresh cilantro (coriander) chopped for garnish
Instructions
Turn on Instant Pot to SAUTE mode
Add oil and allow to heat through 1-2 mins (oil will appear thinner in consistency and go to the sides of the pot)
Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds- allow to to pop for 1 minute
Add onions and stir
Add in asafoetida (hing) and turmeric powder
Add in the garlic and green chillies
Cover with a glass lid and allow to saute for 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and soft
Add tomatoes and salt
Cover with glass lid and allow to saute for 2 minutes until tomatoes are soft- stir regularly
Add in the washed lentils
Add water and stir well to incorporate all ingredients
Place lid on pot and lock
Press CANCEL button on Instant Pot
Set pot to MANUAL mode
Set to HIGH PRESSURE
Set timer to 8 minutes or to 10 minutes (for softer,mushier, broken up lentils)
Turn vent on lid to CLOSE VENT- the silver prong will pop up which means the steam is building up. DO NOT OPEN THE LID.
Once done, manually release the steam by opening the vent. BE CAREFUL OF THE HOT STEAM
Carefully open the lid of the Instant Pot
Garnish with fresh cilantro and squeeze extra lemon juice when serving (if desired)
Notes
Variations: Add more chilies if you want a spicier dish Add extra lemon juice for added tartness If you do not like tomatoes, it is ok to leave them out. Add in a handful of chopped spinach when you add the lentil for an even healthier twist on the dish. You may use ghee instead of oil in step 2 if you prefer (refer to our ghee recipe: https://youtu.be/Va9HO1VRvCw )
NO ONION/NO GARLIC VARIATION: You can take out the onion and garlic from the recipe and use 2 teaspoons of ginger instead. You can also throw in a handful of chopped spinach when you add the lentils for a nice twist on the dish.
Serve with rice, roti, paratha or eat as a soup!
Recipe by Instapottin' With Poonam at https://www.instapottinwithpoonam.com/split-petite-yellow-lentils-mug-ni-daal/