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dal makhani recipe

Dal Makhani Recipe

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This dal makhani recipe is rich, creamy, and deeply comforting while staying budget-friendly. Made with whole urad dal, rajma, and simple pantry spices, it delivers authentic restaurant-style flavor without expensive ingredients.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Indian, Punjabi
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3/4 cup whole black lentils (urad dal)
  • 1/4 cup kidney beans (rajma)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup tomatoes, pureed (fresh or canned)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp butter, divided (use sparingly)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cream (optional)
  • 1½ cups water (adjust as needed)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Soak & Cook the Lentils

    1) Rinse urad dal and rajma thoroughly.
    2) Soak them together in plenty of water for at least 8 hours or overnight.
    3) Drain and pressure cook with fresh water and a pinch of salt until soft and fully cooked.
    4) Lightly mash a small portion of the lentils to help thicken the dal.

  2. Step 2: Prepare the Flavor Base

    1) Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a pan over medium heat.
    2) Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
    3) Add chopped onion and sauté until golden.
    4) Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until fragrant.
    5) Add tomato puree and cook until thick and oil begins to separate.

  3. Step 3: Combine & Slow Simmer

    1) Add cooked lentils and beans to the pan.
    2) Add water as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
    3) Simmer on low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    4) This slow simmer is key to achieving creamy, authentic dal makhani.

  4. Step 4: Final Finish

    1) Stir in remaining butter and garam masala.
    2) Add fresh cream if using.
    3) Simmer for another 5 minutes and turn off heat.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 14gFat: 14gFiber: 10g

Notes

  • Cream is optional, mashing lentils creates natural creaminess.
  • Slow cooking builds flavor better than adding extra butter.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day.
  • For a vegan version, replace butter with oil and skip cream.

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