Dal Makhani Curry Recipe

Dalmakhani is a popular Indian dish made from black lentils (also known as urad dal), kidney beans (rajma), butter, cream and a mixture of aromatic spices. It is a rich, creamy and delicious dish that has its roots in the Punjab region of North India.

Lentils and beans are cooked with a variety of spices, including ginger, garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The dish is slow cooked to allow the flavors to meld together and create a thick, creamy texture. It is then finished with a generous amount of butter and cream to give it a luxurious mouthfeel.

It is usually served with naan bread or rice and is a popular comfort food in India. It is also commonly found on the menu of Indian restaurants around the world. The dish has a complex flavor profile that is both spicy and rich, making it a favorite among those who enjoy a savory and hearty meal.

Origins can be traced to the Punjab region of India, which extends into both India and Pakistan. The dish was originally created by Punjabi farmers, cooked from local ingredients including black lentils and kidney beans. The dish became popular in the mid-20th century, especially in India’s post-independence era, when it became a staple in many Indian households.

The name “Dalamkhani” translates as “Buttered Lentils”, which refers to the rich and creamy texture of the dish. According to some sources, the dish was invented by a Punjabi chef named Kundan Lal Gujral, who owned the famous Moti Mahal restaurant in Delhi. It is said that he accidentally overcooked a pot of lentils and decided to add butter and cream to save the dish, resulted in the creation .

Importance of Dalmakhani in Indian food

Is an important dish in Indian cuisine and holds a special place in the hearts of many Indians. It is often considered the epitome of comfort food, bringing a sense of warmth and nostalgia to those who grew up with it.

Regional Significance: Originated in the Punjab region of North India, and is a staple in Punjabi cuisine. It is also commonly found on the menus of Indian restaurants across the country, making it a favorite dish across India.

Cultural Significance: Food is an integral part of Indian culture, and dalmakhani is one dish that is often associated with celebrations and special occasions. It is a dish that brings people together and is often shared with family and friends.

Nutritional Value: Is a nutritious dish, as it is made with black lentils and kidney beans, which are high in both protein and fibre. The dish also includes a variety of spices known to have health benefits such as cumin and coriander.

Global Popularity: Has gained popularity beyond India and is now widely enjoyed around the world. It is a dish that represents the rich and varied flavors of Indian cuisine and has become a favorite among foodies everywhere.

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making dalmakhani:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black lentils (urad dal)
• 1/2 cup kidney beans (rajma)
• 3 cups water
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
• 1/2 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup cream
• salt to taste
• Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnishing)

Instructions:

• Wash black lentils and kidney beans under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Drain the water and put the soaked lentils and beans in a pressure cooker or vessel. Add 3 cups of water and let it boil. Lower the heat, cover the pot and let it simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the lentils and beans are tender.
• In a separate pan, heat butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and fry till it becomes transparent.
• Add ginger paste, garlic paste and chopped green chillies. Cook for a minute till the raw smell disappears.
• Add red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder and garam masala powder. Stir well and cook for another minute.
• Add tomato puree and cook till the mixture thickens and oil separates from the masala.
• Add cooked lentils and beans to the spices and mix well.
• Add cream and salt to taste. Cook on a low flame for 10-15 minutes, while stirring occasionally. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a little water to adjust the consistency.
• Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with naan bread or rice.
• , you can make a delicious and authentic dalmakhani that is sure to impress your friends and family.

Alternative Preparation Methods

Slow Cooker Method: You can also make in a slow cooker instead of a pressure cooker or a pot. Just add soaked lentils and beans, spices and water to the slow cooker and cook for 4-6 hours on high or on low for 8-10 hours. Add cream and salt to taste and cook for a further 30 minutes before serving.

Vegan : To make a vegan version , you can replace the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and coconut cream. You can also use vegetable stock instead of water for extra flavor.

Instant pot method: If you have an instant pot, you can also make in it. Simply follow the same instructions as the pressure cooker method, but use the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and cook for 25 minutes longer. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure.

Suggestions for serving with Dalmakhani

Rice: Serve with Basmati rice or Jeera rice. The fluffy rice will help balance the richness of the dish and soak up the delicious gravy.

Naan Bread: Naan is a popular Indian bread that is perfect for basting the creamy gravy . You can also serve other Indian breads like roti, paratha, or kulcha.

Salad: A fresh salad can help balance the richness of dish. You can serve a simple cucumber and tomato salad with lemon juice and some salt and pepper.

Raita: Raita is a yogurt-based condiment that is perfect for cooling down spicy dishes like curries. You can make a simple raita by adding grated cucumber, salt and roasted cumin powder to plain yogurt.

Pickles: Indian pickles such as mango pickle, lemon pickle, or mixed vegetable pickle can add a tangy and tangy flavor to food. They also help to cleanse the palate between bites of the rich and creamy dalamkhani.

Papad: Papad is a crispy lentil cracker that is a popular accompaniment to Indian meals. It adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to food.

Health Benefits:

High in Protein: Is rich in protein, thanks to the lentils and beans used in the recipe. Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build and repair muscles, tissues and organs in the body.

Good source of fiber: Lentils and beans are also high in fiber, which helps promote digestive health and keep you feeling full for longer. A high-fiber diet may also help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Contains essential vitamins and minerals:Contains several vitamins and minerals such as iron, potassium, folate and vitamin B6. These nutrients are important for maintaining healthy blood cells, nerve function and metabolism.