Go Back

Vegetarian Dhansak in an Instant Pot | Parsi inspired vegetarian dish | One pot meal in an Instant Pot

Vegetarian Dhansak is a popular Parsi dish made with a mix of lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This hearty, flavorful curry is typically served with rice and a tangy-sweet sauce. The dish combines ingredients like pumpkin, carrots, and spinach, providing a nutritious and satisfying meal. It is known for its rich, complex flavor profile, thanks to a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Vegetarian Dhansak is a versatile, plant-based dish that is perfect for those seeking a filling, wholesome meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Course lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Indian food, one pot meal, pari cuisine, parsi inspired, persian cuisine
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup Toovar dal
  • 1/2 cup orange masoor dal
  • 1/4 cup chana dal
  • 1/4 cup yellow moong dal
  • 1 and 1/2 cup bottle gourd pieces
  • 1/2 cup potato pieces
  • 1 cup tomato pics
  • 1 cup eggplant pieces
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 1 cube ginger chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/4 tsp asafetida powder
  • Salt as needed
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 tsp Dhansak masala
  • 1 tablespoon jaggery powder
  • 1 tsp tamarind paste
  • 1 tsp raw mango powder
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 cup chopped methi leaves
  • 1 and 1/2 tsp crushed kasoori methi
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro to garnish
  • Slices of bread or 2 cups rice to serve

Instructions
 

  • Wash and soak the dals in water for 30 minutes
  • Cut the veggies (bottle gourd, tomato, eggplant, onions, potato) into large chunks or cubes
  • Wash and chop fenugreek leaves
  • Chop ginger and garlic into small pieces
  • Put the instant pot on sauté mode
  • Add oil to instant pot and let it heat
  • Once it heats up add cumin seeds and asafetida powder
  • Then add ginger, garlic and onions
  • Let it sizzle for few minutes, then add remaining veggies and let it cook for few minutes
  • Add the soaked lentil
  • Add red chili powder, dhansak masala (available in stores), raw mango powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder and salt
  • Add jaggery powder and tamarind paste
  • Add 3 cups of water
  • Hit the cancel button
  • Put the instant pot on high pressure and using manual button pressure cook for 15 minutes
  • Once the instant pot naturally releases, use the hand blender to grind the veggie and dal into a smooth paste like texture
  • Add a tadka using oil, dry red chilies, and onions
  • Garnish with cilantro and serve it along with rice or bread
Keyword dhansak, healthy recipe, one pot recipe, protein and veggies, vegan recipe, vegetarian dhansak