These vegan lentils with rice are packed with flavor, super easy to make, protein-rich, and gluten-free – a one-pot meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
What is Instant Pot Lauki Chana Dal with Rice (Pot in Pot Method)?
Chana dal also referred to as Split yellow chickpea lentils are brown chickpeas that have been split, skinned and polished. And this refined version of brown chickpeas is termed as chana dal or split yellow chickpea lentils. Instant Pot chana dal with lauki On the other hand, Lauki is a Hindi term for a vegetable. It is known as Bottle gourd, Long melon or Calabash gourd in English. In addition to that, Lauki (bottle gourd) is also referred to as doodhi and ghiya, in some parts of India. It grows on a vine and is often consumed as a vegetable.
Vegetable protein Zinc, Phosphorous and Calcium Magnesium Rich in fiber Antioxidant-rich food, and Is loaded with minerals and essential vitamins that maintains and provides energy to our body.
This was just the Chana dal ?, now let’s meet Lauki (bottle gourd). In Ayurveda, lauki is known to prevent premature greying and improves hair growth. Additionally, it’s: Instant Pot chana dal with lauki
Low in calories, carbs, and fat Alkaline and diuretic in nature – helps fight UTI diseases and many gut-related problems Rich in fiber Zinc Instant Pot chana dal with lauki Antioxidant-rich food Because of its high water content and cooling effect, it’s good in summers.
Combine both (lentils and bottle gourd) in the Instant Pot, and the finished dish is brimming with good-for-you nutrients that are essential for optimal health.
How to make Instant Pot Lauki Chana Dal with Rice (Pot in Pot Method)?
Understanding the Pot-in-Pot Method!
Start with lentils first. Quickly sort through the lentils to make sure there are no dirty and gritty things in the lentils. Rinse the lentils well.
Transfer the lentils to a bowl, cover with regular tap water, and leave to soak for 30 minutes.
Move on to the bottle gourd. Peel the bottle gourd skin and discard the stem (the top part). Wash the peeled bottle gourd and cut into squares. Set it aside.
Add cumin seeds. As it starts to crackle, add chopped onions and ginger paste to the insert. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
Mix in tomatoes along with all the dried spices. Stir until everything is pretty well combined. Pour in a little water and scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the insert to prevent a burn warning.
Add in the lentils. Instant Pot chana dal with lauki
Pour in water and mix to combine.
Add the chopped bottle gourd and mix.
Turn the Instant Pot off. Add the trivet in the Instant Pot insert. This will separate the lentils from rice that are also being cooked in the insert.
Rinse rice under tap water until the water runs completely clear.
Transfer rice to an insert Stackable pan, pour water, oil, and salt. Stir until combined. Rest the rice pan on the trivet.
Close the lid and seal the pot. Press the Manual or pressure cook button and cook the Instant Pot Lauki Chana Dal with Rice on High Pressure for 6 minutes with the pressure valve in sealing position.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, turn off the pressure cooker. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then do a quick pressure release.
When the pin drops, carefully open the lid.
Fluff rice with a fork and use a silicone mitt to remove the rice dish from the Instant Pot carefully.
Turn the Instant Pot to ‘Saute mode.’ Pour in water and mix the lentils.
Boil for 3-4 minutes and turn the Instant Pot off.
Finish off with lemon juice and cilantro leaves.
Serve hot with warm rice. Instant Pot chana dal with lauki
Rice and unsoaked chana dal cannot be cooked in the pot-in-pot method within 6 minutes. Therefore, to figure out a similar cooking time for both, I decided to soak my lentils for 30 minutes, and it turned out well. Once you are familiar with the pot-in-pot method, you can figure out what kind of recipes will work with rice.
Can I make this recipe on a cooktop?
Of course, you can! For a cooktop method, please follow this link.
When ready to serve again, dump the dal in a pan, bring it to a boil and serve hot with white basmati rice or homemade rotis. » Like garlic? Add chopped garlic while preparing the tempering. » This recipe gets cooked in 6 minutes, but cooking times will also vary depending on the age of the lentils. Older lentils will take longer to cook because they have lost their moisture content. » There are two kinds of chana dal available in the market – one that is very firm (the perfect kind), and the other one that has a shiny coat on the lentils (please avoid this one as it will disintegrate soon and become mushy). Instant Pot chana dal with lauki » Once cooked, stir the lentils carefully so that the bottle gourd doesn’t get mushy and disintegrates.
Craving for more, try these other options:
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas or Lobia curry Instant Pot Dum Aloo Instant Pot Vegan White Bean Soup Instant Pot Spinach Dal (dal palak)
