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Delicious bowl of Easy Dal Makhani, a creamy Indian black lentil dish rich in flavor.

Dal Makhani

A creamy and comforting North Indian lentil dish made with black urad dal and finished with butter and cream for a rich restaurant-style flavor.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Lentils and Beans
  • 1 cup whole black urad dal (rinsed well) The main ingredient for this dish.
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons kidney beans Optional but classic.
Aromatics
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
Tomatoes and Spices
  • 1 to 1.5 cups tomato puree or crushed tomatoes Adds body and richness.
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 to 1.5 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder or mild chili powder
  • to taste salt Adjust based on preference.
Fats
  • to taste butter Less butter can be used for a lighter version.
  • splash cream or your preferred swap Can use half and half or yogurt as an alternative.
Cooking Liquid
  • as needed water or broth for cooking Use to achieve desired consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the whole black urad dal for 6 to 8 hours or use a quick soak in hot water for 45 minutes.
Cooking the Lentils
  1. Cook the soaked lentils in a pressure cooker, Instant Pot, or on the stove until soft (60 to 90 minutes).
Building the Sauce
  1. In a separate pan, sauté the onion in a bit of butter or oil until soft.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, then the spices and tomato. Cook until the tomato looks darker, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Combining and Simmering
  1. Combine the cooked lentils with the tomato mixture. Add water to get a thick but stirrable consistency.
  2. Simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finishing Touches
  1. Turn the heat low, and stir in the butter and cream. Taste and adjust salt and garam masala.
  2. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

Notes

For a lighter version, use less butter and substitute cream. Freezing is possible before adding cream for convenience. Can be served with rice, naan, or a quick cucumber salad.