Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Rich and Flavorful- Dal Makhni (north Indian lentils recipe)

Dal Makhni is a very popular dish that is served in Indian restaurants. People generally assume that this lentil dish is healthy - The word "Makhni" means with butter and this lentil dish practically swims in butter and cream. But the taste is gorgeous and just melts into your mouth. It is assumed that if you can cook a good dal then you can manage the Indian cooking well. I like the dal without cream or butter and love to keep it simple. But when you crave for something rich and need that perfect restaurant dal then this dish is worth the effort.


What do we need?

Whole black gram (sabut urad dal)- 1 cup
Red kidney beans - 1/2 cup
Grated ginger- 2 inch piece
Butter- 4 tbsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Onion- 1 big sized (chopped)
3 medium sized tomatoes (chopped)
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
Fresh cream - 1/2 cup
Garam Masala - 1 tsp
Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing
Garlic - chopped (7-8 cloves)
Salt according to taste

How did I make it?


Soak urad dal (black gram) and red kidney beans in water overnight. The next day, drain and pressure cook it with half portion of the grated ginger till they become soft (reserve the other half portion of grated ginger for later use). Melt butter in a pan. Add cumin seeds. As they start to change color, add onions. Fry onions till they become golden brown. Add garlic, remaining ginger and tomatoes. Cook till the tomatoes are mashed and has mixed well with the rest of the ingredients. Add cooked dal to this. Add two cups of water and adjust salt according to your taste. Mix red chilli powder, garam masala powder and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Add fresh cream and mix well. Cook your dal on a low flame for 5 minutes. Serve with rotis/rice. Works great with naan! Garnish with coriander leaves and decorate it with a bit of cream.


There are two versions of making this dal- with/without onions- I find it more flavorful with onions and it really adds that zing to your dal!

23 comments:

  1. I love dal makhani especially with garlic butter naan :D
    Your recipe sounds fab n healthy..

    US Masala

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  2. yummy dal makhani...love to have it with some roti...yum!

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  3. the dhal curry looks yummy..makes me hungry..first time here...Lovely blog ...nice click too...

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  4. I am always looking for new ways to make lentils. This is something I think would be very tasty!

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  5. Dal makhandi looks absolutely inviting and healthy..yummy dish!

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  6. Excellent! I made this recently too, and it's such a great, simple, warm, and comforting dish! Yours looks delicious!

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  7. This sounds wonderful and very comforting! Sometimes you just need a dish swimming in butter.

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  8. Swimming in butter and cream sounds good!

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  9. Absolutely one of my favorite Indian dishes and so happy you are sharing the recipe. I didn't know 'makhani' means butter - no wonder I'm such a big fan! :)

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  10. looks yummylicious--am drooling here !

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  11. Hey Suchi,

    That looks so yummy and tasty...Beautiful presentation...:)

    Dr.Sameena@

    http://www.myeasytocookrecipes.blogspot.com/

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  12. Yum! Sounds wonderful. Great flavors!

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  13. Hi! Iam completely speechless and atonished the way Ur cooking. Words fail me to write.GRT Going.Keepitup. MOM

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  14. This sounds like such a comforting and flavorful dish!

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  15. Beautiful and satisfying dish for sure!

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  16. This looks like a wonderful dish! I haven't made lentils in over a year... just never replaced them in my pantry, but you are inspiring me.

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  17. Looks very rich and packed with flavours and nutrients. You have really a yummy looking blog :)

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  18. What a mouthwatering Dal. It looks so delicious and hearty, yum!

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  19. This sounds absolutely wonderful! I bet it is silky, and aromatic, and with all of those lentils warming! Yum!

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  20. Healthy, creamy soup. Perfect for a satisfying lunch, or hearty dinner!

    Kristi

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