PUNJABI DAL MAKHANI

Rich, creamy slow cooked whole black lentils. Dal Makhani is one of the most famous North Indian lentils, consisting of a tasty combination of Urad dal (whole black gram) and Rajma (red kidney beans).

Serves: 6 people | Prep : 15 mins | Cooking : 45-60 mins

Health Hack: This simple lentil is full of iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium which makes it a powerhouse of nutrients.

Fresh Ingredients

Whole Urad Dal (whole black lentils) - 300gms
Rajma (Red kidney beans) - 100gms
Water -1 ½ litres
Salt - to taste

Spices

Cumin seeds - 1/2 tbsp
Cloves - 4
Black cardamom – 1
Green cardamom – 4
Cinnamon - 1inch piece
Bay leaf - 1
Garam masala powder - ½ tsp

Step 1

Wash and soak whole urad dal and rajma in enough water overnight. Drain well.

Step 2

Boil the dal and rajma in 1.5 litres of water with salt in a pressure cooker for 10-15 mins. Open the lid to see if lentils are cooked. If not fully cooked, then return on low heat till the rajma and lentils become soft. Continue to check the consistency of Dal. If too thick, you can add hot water at this stage and keep simmering on low heat.

Step 3

For Tadka, take a small pan and heat oil & butter on medium heat. Add cumin seeds to oil. When they begin to change colour add the remaining whole spices i.e. cloves, green cardamom, black cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Sauté till the spices become aromatic.

Step 4

Then add finely chopped onions along with green chilli and sauté till golden. Then add ginger garlic paste and fry for 2-3 mins.

Step 5

Add pureed tomato and cook until oil starts separating from the mixture. Add this tempering to the dal along and simmer on very low heat for 10-15 minutes. Reserve one tablespoon of cream for garnish and add the rest to the lentils. Let the dal simmer for another five minutes.