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One Pot Moong Dal Rice | Protein Packed Lunchbox Rice

Born from a Monday morning rush — this One Pot Moong Dal Rice is now a weekly regular! Jeeraga samba rice and soaked moong dal cooked together with whole spices, green chillies, curd, mint and coriander in one pressure cooker. Under 30 minutes, protein packed and incredibly fragrant. Perfect lunchbox recipe for the whole family! Use any rice — adjust water accordingly. 🍱🔥🤍
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Prep Time 8 hours
Cook Time 30 minutes
Soaking time 8 hours
Total Time 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: SOUTH INDIAN
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp oil + ghee
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 cardamoms
  • 3 onions thinly sliced
  • 5 green chillies slit
  • 1 tomato chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • Salt to taste
  • 1½ tsp biryani masala
  • ⅓ cup curd
  • 1 handful mint leaves chopped
  • 1 handful coriander leaves chopped
  • ½ cup moong dal soaked overnight
  • 1⅓ cups jeeraga samba rice soaked
  • 3¼ to 3½ cups water

Equipment

  • pressure cooker

Method
 

  1. Heat oil in pressure cooker. Add cinnamon, cloves and cardamom. Sauté till fragrant.
  2. Add sliced onions. Cook till golden brown.
  3. Add green chillies and chopped tomatoes. Cook till tomatoes are soft.
  4. Add ginger garlic paste. Sauté till raw smell disappears.
  5. Add salt and biryani masala. Cook till masala is well roasted and oil separates.
  6. Add curd, mint leaves and coriander leaves. Mix well.
  7. Add soaked moong dal followed by soaked rice. Gently combine.
  8. Pour 3¼ to 3½ cups water. Close cooker and cook for 2-3 whistles.
  9. Allow pressure to release naturally.
  10. Fluff gently and serve hot with raita or curd!

Notes

Soak moong dal overnight — essential!
Soak rice before using for best texture.
Brown onions well — don't rush!
Cook masala till oil separates before adding curd.
Natural pressure release for fluffiest rice.
Water ratio for other rice:
- Basmati: 2 to 2.5 cups- Ponni: 3½ to 4 cups
-Sona masoori raw rice : 3 cups 
Can use garam masala instead of biryani masala!
Fluff gently after opening.
Perfect for lunchbox — stays delicious for hours! 🍱