Dal Makhani: A Delicious and Nutritious Indian Recipe

Introduction

Dal Makhani is a popular Indian dish made with whole black lentils and kidney beans. It is a rich, creamy, and aromatic dish that is perfect for a hearty and healthy meal. This vegetarian dish is packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to any diet. In this blog post, we will show you how to make this classic Indian dish with a step-by-step recipe.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need to make Dal Makhani for 4 portions:

• 1 cup whole black lentils (urad dal)
• 1/4 cup kidney beans (rajma)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the lentils and beans

Wash the black lentils and kidney beans in running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in fresh water overnight to soften them.

Step 2: Cook the lentils and beans

Drain the water and add the soaked lentils and kidney beans to a pressure cooker with fresh water and salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes on medium heat. Once cooked, set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the gravy

Heat butter in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once the seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and mushy.

Step 4: Mix the lentils and beans

Add the cooked lentils and kidney beans to the pan and mix well. Add water to adjust the consistency of the dal.

Step 5: Add cream and seasoning

Add heavy cream and salt to taste. Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the dal is creamy and thick.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Garnish with cilantro and serve hot with naan bread or rice.

Vegetarian/Vegan Variation

To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. You can also use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

Gluten-Free Variation

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply serve with gluten-free naan bread or rice.

Conclusion

Dal Makhani is a delicious and nutritious Indian dish that is easy to make and packed with protein and fiber. With this easy recipe, you can enjoy a classic Indian dish at home. Try it out for your next dinner party or family meal and impress your guests with your cooking skills!

FAQ

What is Dal Makhani?

Dal Makhani is a popular Indian dish made with black lentils, red kidney beans, butter, cream, and spices. It is typically served with naan or rice.

How long does it take to make Dal Makhani?

Dal Makhani takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to make. The lentils and beans need to be soaked overnight and then cooked for several hours until they are tender. The dish is then simmered with spices, butter, and cream for additional flavor.

Can I use canned lentils and beans instead of soaking them overnight?

While it is possible to use canned lentils and beans, it is not recommended for this recipe. The overnight soaking process helps to soften the lentils and beans and also removes any impurities. Using canned beans may result in a different texture and flavor.

Can I make Dal Makhani without butter and cream?

While butter and cream are traditional ingredients in Dal Makhani, you can make a healthier version by omitting or reducing the amount of butter and cream used. You can also use a non-dairy cream alternative if desired.

Can I make Dal Makhani in advance?

Yes, Dal Makhani can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

What types of spices are used in Dal Makhani?

Dal Makhani typically includes a combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and chili powder. These spices add flavor and warmth to the dish.

Can I make Dal Makhani in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make Dal Makhani in a slow cooker. Follow the same steps for soaking and cooking the lentils and beans, and then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the spices, butter, and cream. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

What can I serve with Dal Makhani?

Dal Makhani is typically served with naan bread, rice, or roti. You can also serve it with a side of raita (yogurt and cucumber dip) or a salad.

Can I freeze Dal Makhani?

Yes, Dal Makhani can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I adjust the spiciness level of Dal Makhani?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness level of Dal Makhani by adding more or less chili powder or omitting it altogether. You can also adjust the amount of garam masala used to suit your taste preferences.