Dal Makhani
A rich and creamy Punjabi classic, this Dal Makhani is slow-cooked to perfection with whole black lentils, kidney beans, butter, and aromatic spices. It's a deeply flavorful and indulgent dish, traditionally simmered for hours to achieve its signature velvety texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Whole black urad dal (sabut urad)(Also known as black gram lentils.)
- 60 g Kidney beans (rajma)(Dried kidney beans.)
- 120 g Unsalted butter(Divided use. More can be added for serving.)
- 180 ml Heavy cream(For richness and a creamy finish.)
- 240 ml Tomato puree(Or finely pureed fresh tomatoes.)
- 2 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste(Freshly made is best.)
- 2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder(Provides color and mild heat. Adjust to taste.)
- 1 tsp Garam masala(Added towards the end for aroma.)
- to taste Salt(Essential for flavor.)
- as needed Water(For soaking and cooking.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the urad dal and kidney beans thoroughly under cold running water. Place them in a large bowl and cover generously with fresh water. Let them soak for at least 12 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
⏱️ 12 hours (soaking) - 2
Transfer the soaked and drained dal and beans to a pressure cooker. Add enough fresh water to cover them by about 2 inches (approx. 4-5 cups). Add 1/2 tsp salt. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15-20 whistles, or until the lentils and beans are very tender and easily mashable. This can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes depending on your pressure cooker. Let the pressure release naturally.
⏱️ 1.5 - 2 hours (including pressure cooking and release) - 3
Once the pressure is released, open the cooker. The lentils should be soft and mushy. If there's excess water, you can drain some off, reserving it. Lightly mash about a quarter of the dal with the back of a spoon or a masher to help thicken the consistency.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt half of the butter (60g) over medium heat. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Stir in the tomato puree and Kashmiri red chili powder. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes, until the oil begins to separate from the tomato mixture, indicating it's well-cooked and the raw taste is gone.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 6
Add the cooked dal and beans (along with their cooking liquid) to the pot. Stir well to combine with the tomato-spice base. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 7
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let the dal simmer gently for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more hot water if the dal becomes too thick. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor and creamier the texture will become. Taste and adjust salt.
⏱️ 1 hour - 8
Stir in the remaining butter (60g) and the garam masala. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 9
Finally, stir in the heavy cream. Simmer for a final 5 minutes, just until heated through and the dal is glossy and luxuriously creamy. Do not boil after adding the cream. Serve hot.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For authentic flavor, don't rush the simmering process. The longer it simmers on low heat, the better the texture and taste.
- ✓The traditional method involves very long, slow cooking, sometimes up to 24 hours, often in a tandoor or on very low heat. This recipe is a more accessible, yet still delicious, version.
- ✓Serve garnished with a swirl of extra cream, a dollop of butter, and fresh cilantro.
- ✓If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook the soaked dal and beans in a large pot with plenty of water until tender, which will take significantly longer (3-4 hours).
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a smoky flavor (Dhungar method): Heat a piece of charcoal until red hot. Place it in a small heatproof bowl. Pour a teaspoon of ghee over the hot charcoal and immediately place the bowl in the center of the dal pot. Cover the pot tightly for 5-10 minutes to infuse the smoke. Remove the charcoal before serving.
- Instant Pot version: Use the 'Bean/Chili' setting or High Pressure for 30-35 minutes with natural pressure release for the dal and beans. The stovetop finishing steps remain similar.