1 cup urad dal
3 cups water

  • rinse three times, then soak 30-40 minutes

1 Tbsp. oil
1 onion, chopped

  • saute in instant pot until onions are browned

1 cup tomato puree
3 cloves garlic, minced
1” fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. cayenne
1 tsp. garam masala
1 tsp. sugar
salt, to taste
3.5 cups water

  • add all ingredients except water and mix well
  • saute for 10 minutes
  • drain soaked urad dal and add with 3.5 cups of fresh water
  • seal and pressure-cook for 20 minutes
  • adjust as needed:
    • if not cooked well enough, pressure-cook a few more minutes
    • if too dry, add water
    • if too wet, saute until thickened

source: https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/maa-ki-dal-kaali-dal/

04/23/23: i misread the original recipe and so did not add extra water when adding the soaked urad dal, so it burned in the instant pot. i removed it to the stovetopand simmered for about 3 hours, adding about 4 cups of water over time, before it was moderately tender.