Easy Punjabi Moth Dal (Matki Curry)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
259 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Indian
Easy Punjabi Moth Dal (Matki Curry)
Description
This Easy Punjabi Moth Dal recipe showcases whole moth lentils simmered with aromatics like cumin seeds, garlic, ginger, and onions, combined with chopped tomato and a blend of traditional Indian spices including turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. The lentils absorb the spices during pressure cooking, resulting in a rich, earthy curry with a balanced heat level that can be adjusted by omitting the green chili.
The pressure cooking method ensures the lentils become soft yet retain a bit of texture, while the tempering step adds depth of flavor through frying the spices and aromatics. Finishing the dish with fresh lime juice adds acidity that cuts through the richness, and fresh cilantro adds herbal brightness.
This moth dal can be served hot as a main dish with rice or flatbreads. Its robust yet gentle spicing makes it suitable for everyday meals. The recipe also accommodates doubling quantities without altering cooking times and can be made vegan by using oil instead of ghee.
For convenience, the dal can be cooked without soaking, but soaking for several hours reduces pressure cooking time. Adjust spice levels to preference. The recipe was developed using a 6-quart Instant Pot but adapts well to stovetop pressure cookers with similar results.
Ingredients
- 1 cup moth lentils whole, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds aka Jeera
- 1 green chili pepper chopped (optional)
- 1/2 tablespoon ginger grated or paste
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic minced or paste
- 1 cup onion white, diced
- 3/4 cup tomato chopped
- 3 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lime juice optional
- cilantro to garnish
Spices
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder ground, aka Haldi powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder dhaniya powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste, Mirchi powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
Instructions
Instant Pot Method
- Start the instant pot in SAUTE mode and heat oil in it. Add cumin seeds, green chili and saute for 30 seconds.
- Add onions, ginger and garlic. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
- Add chopped tomato, spices and stir.
- Add lentils and water. Stir well. Press CANCEL and close the instant pot lid with vent in sealing position.
- Set to MANUAL or Pressure Cook mode on high pressure for 12 minutes. When the instant pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally (NPR).
- Open the lid and add lime juice and cilantro. Stir and Moth dal is ready to be served.
Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method
- Heat oil in the pressure cooker on medium-high flame. Add cumin seeds, green chili and saute for 30 seconds.
- Add onions, ginger and garlic. Saute for 3 minute.
- Add chopped tomato, spices and stir.
- Add lentils and water. Stir well.
- Cover the lid, turn the heat on high flame and pressure cook it until you hear 2 whistles. Now reduce the flame to medium and pressure cook it for another 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Open the lid and add lime juice and cilantro. Stir and green moong dal is ready to be served.
Notes
- Omitting the green chili reduces spice for a milder curry.
- Soaking lentils for 3-4 hours cuts down cooking time to about 10 minutes.
- This recipe can be doubled without changing cooking times.
- Use oil instead of ghee for a vegan version.
- The recipe is designed for a 6-quart Instant Pot DUO60 but works with stovetop pressure cookers as well.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 259 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 339g | |
| Calories | 259kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 654mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 782mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 307IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 141mg | 14% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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