Dal Makhani || Authentic Restaurant-Style Dal Makhani Recipe
Dal Makhani is a popular and indulgent North Indian dish that is loved by people all around the world. This creamy and flavorful lentil curry is a staple in many Indian restaurants, and now you can recreate the magic at home with this authentic restaurant-style Dal Makhani recipe. Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare a delectable bowl of Dal Makhani that will impress your family and friends.
Preparation Time: 8 hours (includes soaking time)
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
For cooking lentils:
- 1 cup whole black lentils (sabut urad dal)
- ¼ cup red kidney beans (rajma)
- 4 cups water (for pressure cooking)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the curry:
- 3 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 2 large tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 cup fresh cream
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Soaking the lentils:
- Rinse the black lentils and kidney beans under running water.
- Transfer them to a large bowl and add enough water to cover them.
- Allow the lentils to soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- After soaking, drain the water and rinse the lentils again before cooking.
2. Cooking the lentils:
- In a pressure cooker, add the soaked lentils, kidney beans, 4 cups of water, and salt.
- Close the lid and cook on medium heat until you hear 3-4 whistles.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
3. Preparing the curry:
- Heat ghee in a large pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and sauté for another minute.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
- Stir in the red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala.
- Cook the masala on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the spices release their aroma and oil separates from the mixture.
4. Combining the lentils and curry:
- Add the cooked lentils and kidney beans to the pan with the masala.
- Mix well, ensuring the lentils are well coated with the masala.
- Pour in fresh cream and season with salt according to your taste.
- Stir everything together and let the curry simmer on low heat for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- If the curry becomes too thick, add some water to adjust the consistency.
5. Adding the finishing touches:
- In a separate small pan, melt butter over low heat.
- Pour the melted butter into the simmering dal and mix well.
- Turn off the heat and let the dal makhani rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
6. Serving:
- Garnish the dal makhani with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan bread, or roti.
- You can also drizzle a little extra cream on top for an extra touch of indulgence.
Tips:
1. Soaking the lentils overnight helps in reducing the cooking time and ensures they cook evenly.
2. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can cook the lentils in a regular pot. It will take longer, approximately 1-2 hours, to cook the lentils until they are tender.
3. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference. You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.
4. For a vegan version, you can replace ghee with oil and omit the cream. Instead, use coconut cream or cashew cream for a creamy texture.
5. Dal Makhani tastes even better the next day as the flavors intensify. You can make it in advance and reheat it before serving.
Now that you have this authentic restaurant-style Dal Makhani recipe, you can bring the flavors of India to your home. Prepare this rich and creamy lentil curry for your loved ones, and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal that will transport you to the vibrant streets of India.
Conclusion:
To sum it up, Dal Makhani is a classic Indian dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. With its creamy, luscious texture and rich, aromatic flavors, it's a beloved staple in Indian cuisine. Whether served with naan, rice, or roti, this dish offers a heartwarming and satisfying dining experience that's sure to please both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
