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Indian Vegetarian Dinner Featured

Authentic Dal Makhani

An authentic, slow-cooked Dal Makhani recipe focusing on the marriage of black lentils and kidney beans with a rich butter-cream base.

Level Hard Prep 60 min Cook 240 min Servings 6 Score 5.0/10
Ready in
300 min

Makes 6 servings

Prep 60m
Cook 240m
Level Hard

About this recipe

An authentic, slow-cooked Dal Makhani recipe focusing on the marriage of black lentils and kidney beans with a rich butter-cream base.

A masterclass in North Indian slow-cooked lentil perfection.

Ingredients

Lentils

Aromatics

Fats/Cream

Spices

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker For softening lentils
  • Heavy-bottomed pot Crucial for slow simmering
  • Potato masher To lightly mash lentils for creaminess

Instructions

  1. Pressure cook soaked urad dal and rajma with salt and water until soft and mashable.

  2. In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter and sauté ginger-garlic paste until fragrant.

  3. Add tomato puree and chili powder; cook until oil separates.

  4. Stir in the cooked lentils. Simmer on very low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

  5. Finish by stirring in heavy cream and garam masala. Cook for another 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories 380
Protein 12g
Carbs 25g
Fat 28g
Fiber 8g
Sugar 3g
Sodium 550mg
Serving Size 1 bowl

Cooking Timeline

Prep 60 min
Cook 240 min
Total 300 min

Recipe Scorecard

Overall 9.6 /10
Expert 5.0 95% conf.
  • Taste 10.0
  • Presentation 9.0
  • Nutrition 6.0
  • Value 9.0
  • Instructions 9.5
  • Ingredients 9.0
  • Time Accuracy 9.0
  • Difficulty 8.0
  • Would Make Again 8.5

Expert Review

Reviewed by FindEdition Kitchen

Verdict

The ultimate indulgence, rivaling the best restaurant-style preparations.

Pros

  • Deep umami
  • Velvety texture
  • Authentic flavor

Cons

  • Requires significant time

Overview

A masterclass in North Indian slow-cooked lentil perfection.

AI Insights

Summary

An authentic, slow-cooked Dal Makhani recipe focusing on the marriage of black lentils and kidney beans with a rich butter-cream base.

Tips

  • Use high-quality butter for the authentic flavor
  • Slow cooking is the secret to the creamy texture; do not rush it
  • Finish with a dollop of butter on top for serving

Substitutions

  • Heavy cream → Full-fat coconut milk (for a dairy-free variation)
  • Butter → Ghee

Storage

Stores excellently in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavor improves the next day.

Pairing

  • Garlic Naan
  • Jeera Rice

AI Cooking Assistant

Ask about substitutions, timing, or technique for this recipe.

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FAQ

Can I make this faster?
You can reduce simmering time, but the authentic depth of flavor comes from slow cooking.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, ensure your spices are processed in a gluten-free facility.

About the Author

FindEdition Kitchen

Specialty: Indian cuisine

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Compare & Alternatives

For higher ratings, consider The Ultimate Restaurant-Style Chicken Makhni Handi (9.5/10). A quicker option is Authentic Mutton Karahi.

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The Ultimate Restaurant-Style Chicken Makhni Handi 9.5/10

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