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    You are here: Home / Cooking Times / e) More than 3 hrs / Dal Makhani

    Dal Makhani

    5 June 2023 - By Michelle Minnaar
    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    If you're a fan of vegetarian curries, you're in for a treat – this Dal Makhani recipe is truly one of a kind!

    Dal Makhani.

    Luscious lentils slow cooked in a creamy, carefully spiced sauce, with a texture and taste that will blow you away. These are authentic Indian flavors, cooked in the comfort of your own kitchen.

    So, if you're ready to cook this Indian classic, don your apron, line up your spices and let's get cooking!

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • With the mix of lentils, beans and subtle spices, the flavors are incredible!
    • The creamy texture is melt-in-your-mouth fantastic
    • It's easily stored and the next-day leftovers taste even better!
    • While there are lots of ingredients, it's an easy to follow recipe
    ingredients for Dal Makhani.

    Equipment you'll need to make this recipe

    There are a few essentials kitchen items you'll need before taking on this dal makhani recipe:

    • Cast iron casserole dish – make sure you have a quality oven-proof casserole dish for this recipe
    • Spice grinder – want to take this dish to another level. Grind your own spices!

    How to make Dal Makhani

    dal and ginger.

    Soak the beans overnight then boil with ginger.

    brown onion paste, garlic and ghee.

    Fry the brown onion paste, garlic and ginger in ghee.

    frying everything.

    Stir fry for a few minutes.

    add spices.

    Sprinkle in the paprika, ground coriander, ground cumin and chilli powder.

    frying onion base.

    Stir fry for another few minutes.

    add cooked urad dal.

    Add the cooked mung beans.

    stirring everything.

    Give it a good stir.

    add tomato puree.

    Add the tomato puree, chopped tomatoes and garam masala.

    cooked dhal.

    Cook for 3 hours.

    adding cream and butter.

    Add butter and cream. Add salt to taste.

    cooked dhal makhani.

    Cook gently for another 20 minutes. Serve as a side dish to an Indian meal. It goes well with paratha and naan!

    What to serve with Dal Makhani

    Sides

    Breads

    This dish is usually enjoyed alongside accompaniments that amplify and compliment its flavor, including butter naan, kashmiri naan, roti, tandoori roti and plain paratha bread.

    Rice

    This Dal Makhani recipe dish is best served with plain basmati or jeera rice.

    Other sides

    Other common accompaniments include cucumber raita, pickles or chutney.

    dal with naan bread.

    Variations to this recipe

    • This recipe calls for slow cooking in the oven, but a simple stovetop simmer or low heat slow cooker will also work. You could also use a pressure cooker at high flame (18-20 whistles).
    • When preparing Dal Makhani, different cooking approaches can have a huge impact on the flavor and texture. For an added touch of Indian authenticity, you can try the Dhungar method. It will infuse your dal makhani with a sensational smoky tandoori flavor, bringing a restaurant quality to the dish. Mastering various techniques means you'll be able to impress your friends and family even more!
    • You can add different vegetables to this lentil curry. The likes of potatoes, carrots, beans or peas provide texture that elevates this delicacy. All these optional enhancements mean you can add your own personal touch, creating your own version of Dal Makhani that stands out from the rest in terms of flavor and presentation!

    Popular substitutions

    • You can slow cook your own finely chopped onions in place of using onion paste.
    • Keep in mind, low-fat or light cream works great with this recipe too.
    • You could also add two tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to get an even richer flavor to this dal.
    • Leave the ready ground spices and grind your own cumin seeds and the like, for an extra fragrant, extra flavorful Punjabi dal makhani.
    • You can replace the fresh garlic and ginger with ginger garlic paste.

    Top tips

    • Achieving the right mix of flavors is essential to any successful Dal Makhani. The perfect blend should consist of spicy, sweet, warm and earthy notes created by combining garam masala, red chili powder and other ingredients. Be sure to follow the amounts below – when mixed well together, it will be an irresistible, mouthwatering dish.
    • I recommend adjusting the different spice blends until you get the right flavor combination which makes this classic Indian cuisine an unforgettable experience! Make sure each element from garlic to dal is perfectly balanced with the spices so everyone can enjoy a delicious piece of traditional food without compromising on taste.
    • This recipe's success hinges on achieving just the right consistency when making its signature masala. So, be sure to follow the precise measurements below in order to make sure the consistency is perfect and the dal makhani taste is as luscious as it can be.
    spooning dal.

    What is Dal Makhani?

    Originating from the Punjab region in India, Dal Makhani is a classic curry dish, with a long, rich history. One of the most revered vegetarian dishes, this vegetarian dish has countless variations and has developed over time to become a mixture of cooked urad dal and rajma kidney beans, cooked in a creamy sauce to produce an incredibly flavorful slow cooked classic.

    With both ingredients well-known staples in Punjab cuisine, the combination makes for one incredible curry that will tantalize your tastebuds and please the whole family!

    The foundational flavor is the ghee, spices, onion paste, and garlic, all fried until everything takes on a golden hue. Then the tomato puree and tinned tomatoes are combined with chili powder and garam masala powder before the mix is left to simmer, creating a slow cook dal that takes the breath away.

    As you work towards making the perfect Dal Makhani, remember to keep in mind all of the necessary techniques and tricks that will help give your creation a restaurant-style finish. Finding balance within flavors is essential for this traditional Punjabi dish. It's also really important to follow the instructions below for the slow cooking method, in order to get that amazing authentic taste.

    What is the origin of Dal Makhani?

    Dal Makhani is an Indian dish which can be traced back to the Punjab province, renowned for its wide variety of flavor-filled cuisine. It gained popularity in 1947 due to Kundan Lal Gujral and his iconic take on it from The Moti Mahal restaurants.

    Over the years, dal makhani has grown in popularity. Now, not only Punjabi households eat this urad dal recipe, but it's actually being enjoyed around the globe. Traditional recipes use lashings of cream and butter, which certainly help with the taste!

    How do you store dal makhani?

    Dal Makhani can be conveniently prepared in advance and stored for later. For best results, leftovers should be sealed in an air-tight container and placed inside the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.
    You can store dal makhani leftovers for up to 5 days.

    Can you reheat dal makhani?

    To ensure optimal flavor and consistency when reheating your Dal, butter, cream, as well as kasuri methi (a spice blend) must all be included during this process, either on the stovetop using a pan or with an Instant Pot cooker. With that said, doing so guarantees it will remain sumptuous while retaining its creamy texture throughout storage.

    What lentils and beans should I use for this recipe?

    Dal Makhani is all about the lentils and beans, mainly black urad dal, also known as sabut urad or kaali urad. The ideal ratio for a perfect dal makhani recipe is 1 cup of whole black lentils (urad dal) to 1/4 cups each of red kidney beans (rajma) and dried split chickpeas (chana dal bengar gram). Sometimes whole mung beans (moong dal) are also used.

    These lentils will give you an exquisite creamy texture that makes this dish so popular. For best results, you need to soak them in water for at least 12 hours or overnight before cooking.

    Do I need to include cream and butter?

    Cream and butter are key elements when it comes to getting the creamy indulgent texture that's essential to an authentic Dal Makhani recipe. So, if you're after that incredible restaurant style taste for your Dal Makhani, then whatever you do, don't skimp on cream and butter!

    It's through these ingredients that you'll achieve that lusciously smooth texture that's so important for this classic lentil curry – it truly makes a difference!

    Keep in mind, low-fat or light cream works great here too. You could also add two tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to get an even richer flavor.

    Does Dal Makhani contain onion?

    Yes, it uses finely chopped onions. More specifically, for a traditional dal makhani recipe, you need to cook the onions into a sweet, intensely flavored paste. This will form the basis for your dal makhani.

    The idea is to add finely chopped onions from the beginning and cook them down until they are completely soft and caramelized. You then need to blitz everything in a food processor until a smooth paste forms.

    For this recipe, I've gone for convenience over tradition. Use a ready made onion paste, which tastes just as good as cooking your own and is far easier.

    What is Dal Makhani made of?

    It's cooked with whole urad dal (black lentils) and spices, along with butter and cream – sometimes adding beans to enhance flavor. The result is a subtly spiced creamy textured curry that lingers long in the memory.

    What spices are key to this recipe?

    Garam masala, red chili powder, coriander, cumin and paprika all play a key role in creating the right flavor profile for this makhani recipe.

    Bringing balance to these spices, tomato puree adds acidity and a pleasant tanginess. As well as enhancing the taste, it also provides a creamier texture. Striking the right balance between all these ingredients is really important when it comes to making this tantalizing dal makhni recipe.

    dal with naan bread.

    More amazing curry recipes

    Once you've created this mouthwatering Punjabi dish, you'll be ready to experiment with more amazing curry recipes. Luckily, I've got a whole host to choose from!

    • Mung bean curry – this delicious bean-based vegan curry mixes spices like asafoetida, ground cumin and fenugreek for a fantastic flavor.
    • Mixed vegetable curry – a deliciously simple recipe, this one is perfect for a midweek curry in a hurry.
    • Marrow curry – a rich healthy dish with a complex combination of flavors, this is one sensational curry!
    • Brinjal bhaji – a creamy healthy vegan curry with big bold flavors.
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    Dal Makhani


    ★★★★★

    5 from 3 reviews

    • Author: Michelle Minnaar
    • Total Time: 6 hours
    • Yield: 12 portions 1x
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Flavorful and creamy, Dal Makhani is a classic Indian dish featuring black lentils in a rich tomato and spice-infused sauce. Pure comfort in every bite!


    Ingredients

    Units Scale

    Boiled Urad Dal

    • 225g (1 1/4 cups) whole black lentils / urad dal
    • 1.25l (5 cups) water
    • 2.5cm (1 inch) fresh root ginger, finely chopped

    Dal Makhani

    • 30ml (2 tbsp) ghee
    • 200g (7 oz) brown onion paste
    • 12 garlic cloves, pureed
    • 2.5cm (1 inch) fresh root ginger, finely chopped
    • 10ml (2 tsp) paprika
    • 5ml (1 tsp) ground coriander
    • 5ml (1 tsp) ground cumin
    • 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) chili powder
    • 5ml (1 tsp) tomato puree
    • 200g (7 oz) tinned tomatoes, pureed
    • 45ml (3 tbsp) garam masala
    • 150ml (5 fl oz) single cream
    • 150g (5 fl oz) unsalted butter
    • 10ml (2 tsp) rock salt

    Garnish

    • Coriander leaves, chopped
    • Double / heavy cream
    • Fresh ginger, julienned
    • Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves), crumbled
    • green chilies, finely sliced
    • lemon wedges

    Instructions

    1. For the Boiled Urad Dhal: Soak the lentils in plenty of water for at least 12 hours. Drain and rinse well.
    2. To cook the lentils, bring the measured water to the boil in a 2.5 litre (4Β½ pint) saucepan. Add the lentils and half the ginger. When it returns to the boil, stir to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    3. Boil for 10 minutes, then reduce the heat to very low and simmer for a further 1 hour or so, stirring from time to time. By this time, the lentils should have absorbed all the water and be soft, not al dente.
    4. For the Dal Makhani: Preheat the oven to 180Β°C/350Β°F/gas mark 4.
    5. Heat the ghee in a 2.5 litre (4Β½ pint) ovenproof casserole dish.Β 
    6. Add the brown onion paste, garlic and ginger. Fry it for a few minutes, while stirring constantly.Β 
    7. Add the paprika, coriander, cumin and chilli powder. Stir fry for another 3 minutes or until the spices’ aromas get released - you will smell it.Β 
    8. Mix in the lentils.
    9. Add the tomato puree, tinned tomatoes and garam masala to the lentils. Cook for a further 15 minutes, adding a cupful or two of water as needed so as to retain a pouring consistency.
    10. Cover the casserole with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for at least 3 hours. Check the consistency of the mixture every 40 minutes or so – adding water to maintain the pouring consistency.
    11. On your last check, add the cream, butter and salt and give it a final 20 or so minutes cooking in the oven with the oven switched off.
    12. Garnish with any of the ingredients mentioned above. Serve with plain or jeera rice, naan, roti, paratha, cucumber salad, raita, pickles or chutney. Enjoy!Β 

    Notes

    • Traditionally, a mixture of black lentils, red kidney beans and yellow split peas should be used in a ratio of 4:1:1. For simplicity I only used urad dal in the recipe but there’s nothing stopping you from using different pulses of your choosing and playing with the ratios.
    • Since this dish is cooked long and slow, it’s the perfect recipe for a slow cooker.Β 
    • This isn’t the quickest recipe to prepare and is essentially a labor of love because it tastes just so damn good. To get the biggest bang for your buck, double up on the ingredients. Heck, I used 1.5kg of dried urad dal, which means I multiplied the ingredients by 6! Just make sure you have a big enough pot to cook it in.Β 
    • Of course, when you end up with such a big batch of this awesome dish, you need to store it. It freezes superbly! So split it up into batches and enjoy if and when it strikes your fancy.
    • If you don’t have ghee, use butter.
    • Prep Time: 30 minutes
    • Cook Time: 5 hours and 30 minutes
    • Category: Side Dish
    • Method: Simmer
    • Cuisine: Indian

    Keywords: dal makhani, black dal recipe, dal makhani ingredients, Dal Makhani recipe, Authentic Dal Makhani, Easy Dal Makhani, Dal Makhani cooking tips, Dal Makhani variations, Dal Makhani vegetarian dish, Punjabi Dal Makhani, Dal Makhani restaurant-style, Slow cooker Dal Makhani

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @greedygourmet on Instagram and hashtag it #greedygourmet

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rosa

      February 11, 2013 at 12:53 pm

      That is such a great recipe! I am bookmarking it. Your dal makhani looks ever so scrumptious and comforting.

      Cheers,

      Rosa

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 08, 2013 at 1:24 pm

        Thanks, Rosa. Let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    2. Fuss Free Helen

      February 11, 2013 at 12:55 pm

      Goodness me, what an effort and I am so glad you averted disaster at the last moment!

      45 portions is an awful lot... There would never be the space in my freezer....

      Beautiful photos as always, and glad your JO knives are still going strong...

      Reply
    3. Jeanne @ Cooksister

      February 11, 2013 at 1:23 pm

      Mmmm, I LOVE dal Makhani! Might have to come over to your place to eat it though as I am not sure I have the fortitude for a 4-day event πŸ˜‰ Also, you have space for 45 portions of anything?!? Wow! Superb photos as always and now I am absolutely craving lentils...

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. SheBee

      February 11, 2013 at 1:25 pm

      Jeeeeez, 4 days later and you cock it up with salt? Sounds like something I would do!

      This looks delicious though, will definitely add to my to-make list.

      Reply
    5. Camilla @FabFood4All

      February 11, 2013 at 1:48 pm

      Wow that was a marathon of a recipe and I'm sure that my husband would be in heaven if I cooked this for him! I'm glad that I'm not the only one to have hiccups in the kitchen, my carrot and coriander soup had to have a re-name when I realised I'd used parsley instead, but luckily it still tasted good! Lovely photos, keep up the good work:-)

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    6. Franglais kitchen, Nazima

      February 11, 2013 at 3:41 pm

      what a lovely recipe. I do make daal from time to time and these pictures are gorgeous. Indian food has so many layers of flavours.

      Reply
    7. mustardseed

      February 12, 2013 at 2:03 am

      I love dal makhani and I love how you well you have explained it! It looks absolutely perfect!

      Reply
    8. nags

      February 12, 2013 at 2:14 am

      looks fantastic! i cook this very often but never realised the steps were these many until i saw your instructions πŸ™‚

      Reply
      • Michelle

        March 25, 2013 at 10:47 am

        Yes, Nags. This recipe is quite involved but so worth the effort!

        Reply
    9. nags

      February 12, 2013 at 2:14 am

      looks fantastic! i cook this very often but never realised the steps were these many until i saw your instructions πŸ™‚

      Reply
    10. mjskit

      February 14, 2013 at 3:27 am

      OMG! What a process, but I can see that the result is well worth it! The smells coming from those gorgeous pictures are incredible! I don't think I have ever had dal makhani, but I am definitely curious now. It looks like the ultimate comfort food! Thanks for presenting this and providing such great instructions! I, too, am a batch cooker. Chilis, stew, beans, all make great freezer meals!

      Reply
    11. Amy (Savory Moments)

      February 16, 2013 at 12:45 pm

      What a beautiful and flavorful dish. I LOVE Indian food so much and I love that you made it in a batch to freeze more for later. Such a great idea!

      Reply
    12. Myra

      February 26, 2013 at 10:55 am

      Is the 3-hour baking part necessary? Do you think it would make that much of a difference if I did that part in a pressure cooker?

      Reply
    13. Myra

      February 26, 2013 at 10:55 am

      Is the 3-hour baking part necessary? Do you think it would make that much of a difference if I did that part in a pressure cooker?

      Reply
    14. Michelle

      March 08, 2013 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks, Amy. A lot of time can be saved by making your favourite recipes in bulk!

      Reply
    15. Michelle

      March 08, 2013 at 1:22 pm

      Oh, if you only smelled it for real. I dare you to make a batch, you'll be hooked forever.

      Reply
    16. Catnight

      March 13, 2013 at 12:49 pm

      Hi Michelle,
      I am making this recipe right now and had a question. How much garlic do you add? I see Garlic mentioned in the direction but not listed in the ingredient list?

      Thanks

      Cat

      Reply
    17. Michelle

      March 13, 2013 at 12:59 pm

      12 garlic cloves, as stated in the recipe. πŸ™‚ Hope yours turns out grand!

      Reply
    18. Cat

      March 13, 2013 at 5:34 pm

      Thank you for adding the Garlic amount πŸ™‚

      Reply
    19. Michelle

      March 25, 2013 at 10:40 am

      You're welcome!

      Reply
    20. Michelle

      March 25, 2013 at 10:40 am

      You're welcome!

      Reply
    21. Michelle

      March 25, 2013 at 10:51 am

      Ja, ek het lekker opgedonner. πŸ˜€

      You really should try it though; I look forward to hearing from you again!

      Reply
    22. Renil M. George

      September 24, 2017 at 11:22 am

      Always love indian food, great flavors . thank you

      ★★★★★

      Reply

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