Creamy Dal Makhani
Rich, buttery black lentil stew slow-cooked with cream, tomatoes, and aromatic spices — a comforting North Indian staple.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole black lentils (urad dal), soaked overnight
- 1/4 cup kidney beans (rajma), soaked overnight
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 cup tomato purée
- 1 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- to taste salt
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro for garnish
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- 1
Drain the soaked lentils and kidney beans. Pressure cook or boil them with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt until completely soft (about 30 minutes in a pressure cooker).
- 2
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat butter and oil. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- 3
Add chopped onion and sauté until deep golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.
- 4
Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- 5
Stir in tomato purée, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook until the oil separates, about 5 minutes.
- 6
Add the cooked lentils and beans along with their cooking liquid. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 7
Simmer on the lowest heat for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. The dal should become thick and creamy. Add water if it gets too thick.
- 8
Stir in the heavy cream and an extra tablespoon of butter. Simmer for 5 more minutes, adjust salt, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with naan or rice.
Chef's Notes
Dal Makhani is the crown jewel of Punjabi cuisine. Unlike quick-cook dal tadka, this dish demands patience — the black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans simmer low and slow until they melt into a velvety, deeply flavored gravy.
The magic happens in the final hour: butter and cream are stirred in gradually, transforming the humble lentils into something impossibly luxurious. Pair it with garlic naan or steamed basmati rice for a soul-warming meal.
SPICE ROOM Kitchen
Culinary Team
The SPICE ROOM culinary team collaborates on recipes inspired by generations of family cooking traditions from across India and Nepal. Every recipe we share is tested and refined in our Denver kitchens to bring you authentic flavors at home.
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