How To Boil Moong Dal In Pressure Cooker

Moong dal, also known as mung beans, is a nutritious and versatile legume that is commonly used in Indian cooking. Boiling moong dal in a pressure cooker is a quick and easy way to cook it to perfection. Whether you want to use it as a base for soups, stews, or curries, or as a standalone dish, boiling moong dal in a pressure cooker will ensure that it is soft, creamy, and packed with flavor.

In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to boil moong dal in a pressure cooker to achieve delicious results every time.

Step 1: Rinse the moong dal

Before cooking the moong dal, it is essential to rinse it thoroughly. Place the moong dal in a colander and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove any impurities or dirt from the dal.

Step 2: Soak the moong dal

Soaking the moong dal before cooking can help reduce cooking time and improve its overall texture. Place the rinsed moong dal in a bowl and cover it with enough water to fully submerge the dal. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the pressure cooker

While the moong dal is soaking, prepare your pressure cooker. Add enough water to the pressure cooker to cover the dal. You can also add a pinch of salt and turmeric powder for added flavor.

Step 4: Cook the moong dal

Drain the soaked moong dal and transfer it to the pressure cooker. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high heat until you hear the first whistle. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes.

Step 5: Release the pressure

Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure has been released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker.

Congratulations! You have successfully boiled moong dal in a pressure cooker. Now you can use the cooked moong dal in a variety of recipes or enjoy it simply with some rice or roti.

Make sure to follow these steps for perfectly cooked moong dal every time!

Cooking Moong Dal in a Pressure Cooker

Moong dal, also known as mung beans, is a nutritious and versatile ingredient commonly used in Indian cooking. It is rich in protein, fiber, and various other essential nutrients. Cooking moong dal in a pressure cooker is a quick and convenient way to prepare this delicious lentil.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup moong dal
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Rinse the moong dal thoroughly under running water, until the water runs clear.
2. Place the rinsed moong dal in a pressure cooker.
3. Add the water and salt to the pressure cooker.
4. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and place it on medium-high heat.
5. Once the pressure cooker starts to whistle, lower the heat to low and cook for about 10 minutes.
6. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
7. Once the pressure is released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker.
8. Using a whisk or a ladle, gently mash the cooked moong dal to your desired consistency.
9. Your moong dal is now ready to be used in various recipes or enjoyed as a side dish.

Cooking moong dal in a pressure cooker significantly reduces the cooking time and helps to retain its nutrients and flavors. You can use the cooked dal to make dal fry, dal tadka, or add it to soups, stews, or curries. It’s a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways.

Preparing the Moong Dal

Before boiling the moong dal in a pressure cooker, it is important to prepare the dal properly. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious result:

Cleaning the Moong Dal

First, take the desired amount of moong dal and rinse it thoroughly in cold water. This will help remove any dirt or impurities from the dal.

Soaking the Moong Dal

After cleaning, transfer the moong dal to a large bowl and add enough water to cover it completely. Let the dal soak for about 20-30 minutes. Soaking the dal helps in reducing the cooking time and also makes it easier to digest.

Draining the Soaked Moong Dal

Once the dal has soaked, drain the water using a strainer or colander. Make sure to remove all excess water, as this will affect the cooking process.

Now, with the moong dal properly cleaned and soaked, you are ready to boil it in a pressure cooker!

Soaking the Moong Dal

Before boiling moong dal in a pressure cooker, it is important to soak it for a certain period of time. Soaking the dal helps in reducing the cooking time and also makes it easier to digest. Here is how you can soak moong dal:

Once the moong dal is soaked, it is ready to be boiled in a pressure cooker following the necessary steps.

Adding Water and Spices

Once the dal has been sorted, rinse it thoroughly under cold running water. This will help remove any dirt or impurities.

Next, transfer the rinsed dal to a pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover the dal, typically around three cups of water for one cup of dal.

Now, it’s time to add the spices. For flavoring, you can add some salt, turmeric powder, and ginger paste to the dal. You can also add some chopped green chilies and garlic to enhance the taste.

Note: The amount of salt and spices you add can vary based on your taste preferences.

After adding the spices, mix everything well so that the dal and spices are evenly combined.

Make sure the pressure cooker is securely closed with the lid, and the vent weight is properly placed.

Tip: If you want to add a more intense flavor to your dal, you can also consider adding some whole spices such as cumin seeds, mustard seeds, or curry leaves during the tempering process.

Cooking the Moong Dal

Boiling moong dal is a simple and quick process, especially when using a pressure cooker. This method helps to retain the nutrients present in the dal and ensures that it cooks evenly.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Rinse the moong dal under running water until the water runs clear. This step helps to remove any impurities or dirt from the dal.

2. Drain the rinsed dal and transfer it to a pressure cooker.

3. Add 3 cups of water to the pressure cooker. The ratio of dal to water should be 1:3 for a well-cooked consistency.

4. Season with salt according to your taste preferences. Adding salt at this stage will enhance the flavor of the dal.

5. Close the pressure cooker lid and ensure it is properly sealed.

6. Place the pressure cooker on medium heat and let it cook for about 4-5 whistles. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of pressure cooker you are using.

7. Once the whistles are complete, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally. This will take around 10-15 minutes.

8. After the pressure has completely released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker.

9. Mix the cooked dal gently with a spoon to combine all the flavors and to check if it has cooked to the desired consistency. If needed, you can cook for an additional whistle or two.

10. The moong dal is now ready to be served with rice, roti, or as a soup.

Boiling moong dal in a pressure cooker is an efficient way to cook this nutritious legume. Use this recipe as a base to experiment with different spices and seasonings to create your own delicious variations.

Releasing the Pressure

Once the moong dal has cooked for the recommended time, it’s important to release the pressure before opening the pressure cooker. This is a crucial step to ensure safety and prevent any steam burns.

To release the pressure, carefully move the pressure cooker to a cool, flat surface away from any hot surfaces or open flames. Always use oven mitts or potholders to handle the pressure cooker, as it will be hot.

Then, locate the pressure release valve or pressure release button on your pressure cooker. This may vary depending on the make and model of your pressure cooker.

For most pressure cookers, you can release the pressure manually by turning the pressure release valve to the “Venting” or “Release” position. This allows the steam to escape gradually.

Alternatively, some pressure cookers have a pressure release button that you can push to release the pressure. Consult your pressure cooker’s manual for specific instructions on how to release the pressure safely.

Once all the pressure has been released, the pressure indicator or float valve should drop, indicating that it is safe to open the pressure cooker.

Now, you can carefully open the pressure cooker and check the consistency of the boiled moong dal. If it’s not fully cooked or requires further boiling, you can close the pressure cooker and cook for a few more minutes.

Remember, always exercise caution when handling a pressure cooker, as the contents will be extremely hot and the steam can cause burns. Following these steps will help you safely release the pressure and enjoy perfectly boiled moong dal.

Serving the Moong Dal

Once the moong dal is boiled and ready, you can serve it in various ways depending on your preference.

1. Plain Dal

If you prefer a simple and light meal, you can serve the boiled moong dal as it is. It is delicious on its own and pairs well with rice or roti.

2. Tempered Dal

To add more flavor and aroma to the moong dal, you can temper it with spices and herbs. In a separate pan, heat some ghee or oil, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and dried red chillies. Once the seeds start to splutter, add curry leaves and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown. Then, add this tempering mixture to the boiled moong dal and mix well. Serve it hot with rice or roti.

3. Dal Soup

If you prefer a thinner consistency and want to enjoy the moong dal as a soup, you can add more water or vegetable stock to the boiled dal. You can also add some chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or tomatoes to enhance the flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for a few minutes. Add salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot as a comforting soup.

4. Dal Salad

If you want to enjoy the moong dal in a salad form, you can cool down the boiled dal and toss it with some chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and coriander leaves. Squeeze some lemon juice and sprinkle some salt and pepper for added zest. This refreshing salad can be served as a healthy snack or a side dish with your meals.

Whichever way you choose to serve the moong dal, it is a versatile and nutritious legume that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Experiment with different flavors and combinations to discover your favorite serving method.

FAQ

How long does it take to boil Moong Dal in a pressure cooker?

It usually takes about 10-12 minutes to boil Moong Dal in a pressure cooker.

Is it necessary to soak Moong Dal before boiling it in a pressure cooker?

No, it is not necessary to soak Moong Dal before boiling it in a pressure cooker. However, soaking it for about 1-2 hours can help reduce the cooking time.

What is the water-to-dal ratio for boiling Moong Dal in a pressure cooker?

The ideal water-to-dal ratio for boiling Moong Dal in a pressure cooker is 2:1. This means for every cup of Moong Dal, you should add two cups of water.

Can I add spices and seasonings to the Moong Dal while boiling it in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can add spices and seasonings to enhance the flavor of Moong Dal while boiling it in a pressure cooker. Common spices used include turmeric powder, cumin seeds, and salt.

What can I do if the Moong Dal becomes too mushy after boiling it in a pressure cooker?

If the Moong Dal becomes too mushy, you can try cooking it for a shorter duration or reducing the amount of water used. Alternatively, you can use the overcooked dal to make dal soups or purees.