Recipe

Instant Pot Dal Makhani – Creamy Masoor Daal and Rajma - Easy Vegetarian Recipe

Prep: 
10 mins
Cook: 
20 mins

Ingredients

  • Black Masoor Daal - 1 cup
  • Rajma Beans - 1/4 cup (cooked)
  • Onion - 1 small (sliced)
  • Tomato Puree- 1 cup
  • Butter - 5-6 Tbsp
  • Cream - 1/4 cup
  • Oil - 2 Tbsp
  • Ginger/Garlic Paste - 1 tsp
  • Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp
  • Kashmiri Chili Powder - 1 1/2 tsp
  • Cumin Seeds - 1 1/2 tsp
  • Coriander Powder - 2 tsp
  • Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
  • Salt - 1 tsp
  • Cumin Powder - 1 tsp
  • Garam Masala Powder - 1 tsp
  • Fenugreek Leaves (Kasuri Methi) - 1 tsp (crushed)
  • Fresh Cilantro chopped - 1 Tbsp

This Instant Pot Daal Makhani is a hearty and comforting dish made with black masoor daal and rajma, simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy with butter, cream, and fragrant Indian spices. It's the kind of meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours of stovetop cooking. 

Thanks to the InstantPot, the daal becomes perfectly soft and flavorful in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners. Serve it hot with basmati rice or roti for a satisfying, home-cooked Indian meal.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Daal Makhani. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our daal makhani calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Instructions

How to Make Instant Pot Dal Makhani:

1) Wash and soak black masoor dal for about 2–3 hours.

2) In an Instant Pot, add 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Turn on the sauté mode.

3) Add 1 small sliced onion and sauté until they turn a light golden brown.

4) Add 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.

5) Now add 1 tsp red chili powder, 1 1/2 tsp kashmiri chili powder, 1 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 2 tsp coriander powder, 1/2 turmeric powder, 1 tsp cumin powder, and 1 tsp salt.

6) Add 2–3 tablespoons of water and cook the spices until the oil begins to separate.

7) Drain the soaked daal and add it to the masala.

8) Add 2 cups of water and cook on the multigrain or lentil mode for 15 minutes in the InstantPot.

PRO TIP: If using a pressure cooker, cook until 2 whistles. If cooking in a regular pot, simmer for about 30 minutes or until the dal is tender.

9) Let the pressure naturally release then open the lid and add 1/4 cup cooked or canned kidney beans (rajma).

PRO TIP: You can use canned kidney beans for convenience.

10) Add 1 tsp garam masala and1 tsp crushed kasuri methi and mix well.

11) Next add 1 cup tomato puree, 1/4 cup cream, and 2 tablespoons of butter. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes.

12) Lastly transfer the dal to a serving dish and garnish with 1 tablespoon of butter, a drizzle of fresh cream, and chopped cilantro.

13) Enjoy with white rice or roti!

This Instant Pot Daal Makhani is a hearty and comforting dish made with black masoor daal and rajma, simmered in a rich tomato-based gravy with butter, cream, and fragrant Indian spices. It's the kind of meal that feels indulgent without requiring hours of stovetop cooking. 

Thanks to the InstantPot, the daal becomes perfectly soft and flavorful in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners. Serve it hot with basmati rice or roti for a satisfying, home-cooked Indian meal.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Daal Makhani. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our daal makhani calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Leave a review

We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.

Your Recipe rating*

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Recent Recipes

Sambar Masala Paratha - Soft, Spiced Paratha with Fresh Veggies & Sambhar Masala - Paratha Recipe with SWAD Chakki Atta

Make this flavorful Sambhar Paratha at home with fresh vegetables, SWAD Atta, and sambhar masala. A delicious South Indian fusion paratha perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Follow the step-by-step method to knead, roll, and pan-fry soft, aromatic sambar parathas.

Prep: 
30 mins
30 mins

Sambhar Paratha is a comforting fusion recipe that brings together the flavors of South Indian sambhar and the warmth of North Indian parathas. Made with a mix of fresh vegetables, boiled potatoes, sambar masala, and SWAD Chakki Atta, this paratha is packed with color, aroma, and homestyle goodness. The veggies are finely chopped to release their natural moisture, helping create a soft, pliable dough that cooks beautifully on a hot tawa.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make sambhar paratha. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our sambar paratha recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Chicken Tikka Masala Recipe - Smoky Tikka Masala Marinade & Creamy Sauce - Easy Indian Dinner | Step-by-Step Guide

Make rich, flavorful Chicken Tikka Masala at home with this easy recipe. Learn how to prepare the perfect tikka masala marinade, smoky tandoor-style chicken, and a creamy, spiced tomato sauce. Serve with basmati rice or garlic naan for a comforting and classic Indian meal.

Prep: 
20 mins
40 mins

Marinated in a spiced yogurt base with garam masala, Kashmiri red chili, cumin, turmeric, and kasuri methi, this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe brings restaurant-style flavor to your home kitchen. The boneless chicken is coated in a rich tikka masala marinade, then infused with optional charcoal smoke for that deep, tandoor-style aroma you usually only get at your favorite Indian restaurant. A quick rest in the fridge lets the spices soak in, making every bite tender, juicy, and full of flavor.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make homemade Chicken Tikka Masala. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our chicken tikka masala recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Instant Rava Dosa - Quick No Fermentation South Indian Breakfast - Crispy Sooji Rava Dosa Recipe

Make crispy, golden Rava Dosa at home with this quick and easy instant recipe! Made with sooji, rice flour, and maida, this dosa is light, lacy, and full of South Indian flavor, no fermentation needed. Serve with coconut or tomato chutney for a quick, satisfying breakfast or snack.

Prep: 
15 mins
15 mins

Rava Dosa is one of South India’s most loved breakfast dishes. Thin, crispy, and beautifully golden! This Instant Rava Dosa recipe is a quick version that skips fermentation but delivers the same irresistible flavor and texture. Made with a simple mix of semolina (sooji), rice flour, and all-purpose flour, it’s perfect for mornings when you want something light, flavorful, and ready in minutes.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Instant Rava Dosa. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our rava dosa recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.