This Americanized version of dal makhani combines the traditional Indian flavors with a touch of American ingredients. Creamy black lentils cooked with spices, tomatoes, and butter for a rich and comforting dish that pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole black lentils
- 1/2 cup red kidney beans
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup cream
- Cilantro for garnish
Directions
- Soak the black lentils and kidney beans overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- In a pressure cooker, heat butter and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add the onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute. Then add the pureed tomatoes and spices. Cook until the oil separates.
- Add the soaked lentils and kidney beans along with water. Pressure cook for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are soft and creamy.
- Once cooked, stir in the cream and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Interesting Facts
Dal makhani is a popular North Indian dish that is traditionally cooked slowly over a low flame for hours to develop rich flavors.
Adding cream at the end gives the dish a luxurious and creamy texture that balances out the spices.