Go Back Email Link
+ servings
Moringa Leaves Dal served in a steel bowl with fresh moringa leaves on side
Print Pin
4.60 from 5 votes

Moringa Leaves Dal

Moringa Leaves Dal recipe is a comforting and an easy one-pot pressure cooker recipe made with moong dal, moringa leaves (drumstick leaves), tomatoes, indian spices.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian
Keyword lentils with drumstick leaves, moringa dal, moringa leaves dal
Diet Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Method Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker, Stovetop
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 219kcal
Author Bhavana Patil

Ingredients

Dry Spices

Instructions

  • Firstly, wash the moringa leaves thoroughly and remove the stems.
    moringa leaves destemed

Stovetop Method

  • Rinse the mung dal thoroughly, repeating the process 2-3 times until the water runs clear. Pressure cook ½ cup of rinsed moong dal with 1 ½ cups of water in the Instant Pot or traditional stovetop pressure cooker.
    step to cook moong dal in pressure cooker collage
  • Instant Pot: Pressure cook on Manual (High Pressure) for 6 minutes followed by natural pressure release.
    Stovetop Pressure Cooker: Pressure cook on high heat for 2 whistles and wait for natural pressure release.
    Then, using a whisker or ladle, mash the cooked dal for a smoother consistency.
    step to mash the cooked moong dal collage
  • Heat 2 tablespoons oil (or ghee) in a kadai, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and let them splutter.
  • Next, add minced ginger, garlic, green chilies and curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds until the raw smell goes away.
    step to prepare the tempering collage
  • Add finely chopped onions and saute until they turn translucent.
  • Then add finely chopped or pureed tomatoes and cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.
    step to saute onions and tomatoes collage
  • Then add moringa leaves and saute for 1-2 minutes or till the leaves wilt.
  • Then add the cooked and mashed moong dal, spices like turmeric, red chili powder, salt. Add ½ to 1 cup of water to adjust the consistency of the dal. Mix until well combined. Bring it to a boil.
    Next, simmer for 2-3 minutes on medium-low flame.
    step to cook moringa leaves with cooked dal and spices collage
  • Lastly, add some garam masala, lemon juice, and coriander leaves. Mix well. Turn off the heat.
    Serve this moringa dal hot with basmati rice, pickle, papad, roti, or naan.
    step to add garam masala and lemon juice collage

Instant Pot Method

  • After washing and rinsing the dal, set your Instant Pot to SAUTE mode. Heat oil, once it's hot, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and allow them to crackle.
  • Next, add minced garlic, green chilies, curry leaves, and saute until the raw smell of garlic goes away.
    step to prepare the tempering in the instant pot collage
  • Add shallots (or chopped onions) and saute for a minute. Then add chopped tomatoes and cook till they turn soft.
    step to saute onions and tomato till soft collage
  • Add drumstick (moringa leaves), and saute for a minute till the leaves wilt.
    Then add water and deglaze the pot to avoid the BURN notice.
  • Finally, add rinsed moong dal, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt, and give a stir.
    step to saute moringa and add moong lentils ,turmeric powder and water for pressure cooking collage
  • Close the lid on the Instant Pot. Set the value to 'SEALING'. Pressure Cook on 'High' for 6 minutes.
    Once the pot beeps, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.
  • Lastly, remove the lid away from you, and add cilantro and lemon juice. Also, adjust the consistency of the dal at this point if desired.
    moringa dal in instant pot insert garnished with cilantro
  • Instant Pot Moringa/Drumstick leaves dal is ready and served hot with steamed rice and quinoa.
    Moringa Leaves Dal served in a steel bowl with fresh moringa leaves on side

Stovetop Pressure Cooker Method

  • Follow the same steps as above for the stovetop pressure cooker. Cook for 2-3 whistles on medium heat, and allow the pressure to release naturally. All other steps remain the same.

Notes

I have prepared this dish in my electric pressure cooker, Instant Pot DUO60 6 QT

Tips

  • Fresh & Tender Moringa: Choose tender and fresh drumstick leaves.
  • Soft Mushy Dal: If you desire a softer, more mashed consistency, you can Pressure Cook on "HIGH" for 8 minutes on the Instant Pot.

Variations

    • Add Vegetables: You can add veggies like pumpkins, potatoes, carrots, and green beans to make it extra nutritious.
    • Use Different Lentils: You can use various types of lentils, including toor dal, masoor dal, or a mixture of toor, masoor, and moong dal.
    • Moringa Leaves Sambar: If you are a South Indian and wish to make sambar with drumstick leaves, follow the same steps. Instead of the dry spices listed, add 1.5 tablespoons of sambar powder and tamarind extract instead of lemon juice.
    • Make it Spicy: Add additional green chilies or red chili powder to make the dal spicier.
 
Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 87mg | Potassium: 323mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 151mg | Calcium: 298mg | Iron: 2mg