10 Smart Tricks To Cook Masoor Dal Instantly

Indian food is considered incomplete without pulses, and we Indians use it in many ways. For example, some use lentils to make pakoras, while others make soups and khichdi out of them. This is the reason why it is considered an essential part of a healthy diet. On the other hand, masoor dal is very common and readily available in India. Do you know that apart from India, lentils are cultivated in many countries? Apart from being tasty, this dal has nutrients such as iron, folic acid (folate), potassium and protein. But can it be cooked quickly? This article will tell you some clever tricks and tips to cook masoor dal instantly. 

Varieties Of Masoor Dal

There are many types of masoor dal, quite different in colours, including black, green, yellow, red-brown etc. Some varieties are considered best for soup, while some are eaten raw or as a salad. 

1. Brown masoor dal is the most common pulse which is readily available in the market. You can use it to make curries, soups or pakoras. It contains elements called polyphenols, which can reduce the risk of heart disease. 
2. French green lentils are cultivated in France. They are quite different in shape and used for making salads or soups. 
3. Red and yellow masoor dal is often used in Indian cuisine. The taste of these pulses is slightly sweet and is used extensively in making salads, hummus etc. 

How To Make Masoor Dal Instantly? 

1. Wash dal thoroughly before preparation. After washing, filter it in a vessel and take out stones or pebbles from it. 
2. Mostly masoor dals are quickly cooked in 20 to 30 minutes. However, if you want to cook it in less time, then soak it overnight. 
3. Cover the masoor dal with water or stock before cooking. Keep in mind that one cup of masoor dal requires about 3 cups of water. 
4. When dal comes to a boil, cover the pan and turn the gas flame to medium as it will taste better. 
5. Adding vegetables to the dal enhances its taste. Not only this but the usage of garlic, onion, some natural herbs and curry leaves can double the aroma and the taste of the masoor dal. 
6. Instant Pot Masoor Dal: All you have to do is set a timer for this. Then, switch off the gas when the time is up. Next, mix 3 cups of water in a cup of brown masoor dal, cook it on high pressure for 9 minutes, and immediately open the lid. 

Important Tips

1. The longer you cook the masoor dal, the softer it will become. So if you want to eat it slightly raw, then do not overcook it. 
2. If you're going to thicken it to make hummus, then cook it for a long time. However, cooking and texture depend on the variety of dal. 
3. Apart from this, the water used in it can also make a difference. If the water is hard, add about one teaspoon of baking soda for every cup of masoor dal. 
4. Generally, brown and green masoor dal takes 30 to 40 minutes to cook, while green masoor dal take 25 to 35 minutes. At the same time, red and yellow masoor dal gets cooked in 15 to 20 minutes. 

With the help of all the preceding points, now you can make instant masoor dal at home.