Best and Easy Dal Makhani (दाल मखनी) Recipe – 60 Min
Dal Makhani, also known as Maa ki Dal, is a popular and delicious lentil dish hailing from the Punjab region of India. It is a staple in many Indian households and is often served at special occasions and celebrations.
The main ingredients in Dal Makhani are black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma), which are slow-cooked with a blend of aromatic spices and a generous amount of butter and cream. The resulting dish is creamy, rich, and full of flavor.
Dal makhani goes very well with Indian breads like butter naan, roti, tandoori roti and even with jeera rice or plain basmati rice.
To make Dal Makhani, the lentils and beans are first soaked overnight to soften them. They are then cooked in a pressure cooker with water and a few spices until they are soft and fully cooked.
Next, a flavorful masala (spice mixture) is prepared by sautéing onions, ginger, garlic, and a variety of whole spices such as cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and cardamom pods. This masala is then added to the cooked lentils and beans, along with some tomato puree, salt, and water. The mixture is simmered for a few more minutes until the flavors have melded together.
Finally, a generous amount of butter and cream is added to the Dal Makhani, giving it a rich and creamy consistency. The dish is garnished with some fresh cream and chopped coriander leaves before being served.
Dal Makhani is typically served with rice, roti, or naan, and is often accompanied by a side of raita or pickle. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for cold winter evenings.
One of the best things about Dal Makhani is its versatility. It can be made in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference. Some people like to add more spices to their Dal Makhani to give it a bolder flavor, while others prefer a milder version with just a hint of spice. Some people even add vegetables such as green peas or paneer to their Dal Makhani to make it more substantial.
Dal Makhani is also a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It is a healthy and delicious option for vegetarians, as well as those looking to add more plant-based protein to their diet.
Dal Makhni Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of whole black urad dal
- 1/4 cup of rajma (kidney beans)
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of tomato puree
- 2 tablespoons of cream
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Soak the urad dal and rajma in enough water for 6-8 hours. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the butter in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium flame. Add the cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle.
- Add the chopped onion and fry till it turns golden brown. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for another minute.
- Add the garam masala, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and sugar. Mix well and fry for a few seconds.
- Add the tomato puree and fry for another minute.
- Add the soaked dal and rajma and mix well. Add enough water to cover the dal and rajma. Simmer the flame, cover the pan and cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, till the dal and rajma are cooked through.
- Add the cream and mix well. Simmer the flame and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
The creamy, rich and full-of-flavor Dal Makhani is sure to tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The combination of slow-cooked lentils and beans, with a hint of spice and a generous amount of butter and cream, creates a delicious and comforting meal that is sure to delight! This recipe is sure to be a hit at your next family gathering or special occasion.
Follow Bakaasur For More …