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Instant Pot Veg Dhansak

Smita
A flavorful combination of lentils and vegetables with some aromatic spices. It is an easy, delicious, one pot vegan meal. Pairs well with rice and bread.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish, Soup
Cuisine Indian Cuisine.

Ingredients
  

  • ⅓ Cup Pigeon Peas Lentil
  • ¼ Cup Split Red Lentil
  • ¼ Cup Yellow Lentil
  • ¼ Cup Pumpkin (Big Chunks)
  • ¼ Cup Eggplant Big Cubes
  • ¼ Cup Zucchini/Squash Big Chunks
  • ½ Cup Spinach Leaves
  • ½ Cup Fenugreek Leaves(Optional)
  • 6 Cloves Garlic ,chopped
  • 1 Tbsp Ginger Chopped
  • 2 Green Chilies chopped(optional)
  • 2 Dry Red Chili(Optional)
  • 1 Tsp Cumin Seeds
  • 1.5 Tsp Coriander Seeds
  • 2 Cloves
  • 1 Inch Cinnamon Stick
  • 1 Tsp Turmeric Powder
  • Salt according to the taste.
  • ½ Tsp Garam Masala Powder
  • 1 Tsp Oil

For Tempering(Optional)

  • 1 Tbsp Oil of your choice
  • ½ Tsp Black Mustard Seeds
  • ½ Tsp Cumin Seeds
  • ½ Cup Finely Chopped Onion

Water for Cooking the lentils and Vegetables.-3 cups water

    For Garnish

    • 1 Lemon /Lime Juice
    • ¼ Cup Fresh Cilantro Leaves

    Instructions
     

    • Wash all the lentils and soak them for 10 minutes in sufficient water.
    • Wash and chop all the vegetables.Keep everything in a plate.
    • Grind cumin seeds ,coriander seeds,ginger ,garlic,green chili ,red chili,cloves and cinnamon to make a fine paste.
    • Turn on the saute button of the instant pot on .When it displays hot add oil to it .
    • Add spice mix to the Instant pot and saute it for 1 minute or till all the raw smell is gone .
    • Add vegetables and lentils to the masala paste. Mix properly and add 3 cups of water to it .Add turmeric and salt to it .Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.Let the steam release naturally .
    • Remove the lid and stir the dhansak .With the help of a hand blender or whisker blend all the vegetables and lentils into a smooth soup like consistency.Add garam masala to it .
    • Take a small pan .Add oil and heat it .Add cumin seeds and black mustard seeds.Let it crackle .
    • Add chopped onion to it and saute on low /medium flame .Saute till it looks light brown /transparent .
    • Mix lemon /lime juice in to the veg dhansak .Taste the salt .if needed add just a little .
    • Transfer veg dhansak into a serving bowl and pour the tempering over it .
    • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve.
    • Enjoy veg dhansak .
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!