Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to fall in love at first bite? 💛 Today we’re making a creamy, dreamy North Indian classic — Dal Makhani, or as I like to call it, “Marry Me Lentils” because once you taste them, you’ll be committed for life! This dish is slow-cooked to perfection with black lentils and red kidney beans, infused with warm spices, and finished with silky cream. Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or impressing someone special.
Ingredients:
For the lentils:
- 1 cup whole black urad dal (whole black lentils)
- ¼ cup rajma (red kidney beans)
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 tsp salt
For the masala base:
- 2 tbsp ghee or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, pureed
- 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit (optional, for heat)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp garam masala powder
To finish:
- ½ cup fresh cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1️⃣ Soak & cook: Soak urad dal and rajma overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse. In a pressure cooker or large pot, add lentils, kidney beans, 4 cups water, and salt. Cook until very soft (about 20–25 min in pressure cooker or 1–1.5 hrs simmering in pot).
2️⃣ Make the masala base: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee or butter. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Stir in onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for a minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Spice it up: Add turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt (if needed). Stir well. Pour in tomato puree and cook until oil starts to separate from the masala.
4️⃣ Combine & simmer: Add the cooked lentils and kidney beans (with their cooking liquid) into the masala. Stir and mash slightly for creaminess. Add a little water if too thick. Simmer on low for at least 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Finish with love: Add cream, butter, and garam masala. Stir gently and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Nutritional Information:
⏰ Prep Time: 15 min (plus overnight soaking) | 🔥 Cooking Time: 1 hr | ⏳ Total Time: ~1 hr 15 min
⚡ Calories per serving: ~280 kcal | 🍽️ Servings: 4
#DalMakhani #MarryMeLentils #IndianFoodLove #ComfortFood #VegetarianDelight #SpiceAndLove
Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️
