Dal Makhani

creamy lentils and beans

This North Indian dish is brimming with velvety lentils and buttery goodness that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours (spoiler: it hasn't!). Packed with plant-based protein and warming spices, it’s like a hug in a bowl.

This is comfort food at its finest, so don’t skimp on the quality ingredients—good butter and fresh spices are non-negotiable!

Serves: 4 | Time: 90 mins

  • Ingredients

    Oils/Fats
    • Ghee (solid), 3 tbsp + more to serve

    Vegetables/Fruits
    • Garlic, 6 cloves
    • Ginger, 1 1/2 inch
    • Onions, 2 large
    • Tomato Passata, 40 grams

    Herbs/Spices
    • Red Chilli Powder, 1/2 tsp
    • Garam masala, 1/4 tsp
    • Salt, To taste

    Dairy
    • Double Cream 45 ml + more to serve

    Pulses
    • Urad Dal (Whole Black Lentil), 150 grams
    • Red Kidney Bean, 1 tin, drained

    Others
    • Water 800ml

  • Method

    Preparation
    • Rinse lentils in cold water until the water runs clean (3/ 4 times) and soak in cold water for 4 - 24hours. Water should be 3-4 inches above the lentils
    • Drain a tin of Red Kidney Beans and set aside
    • Prepare vegetables - Peel and grate Garlic, Ginger and Onions


    Cooking
    • Place a pressure cooker over medium heat, add Ghee, grated Garlic and Ginger and cook for 1 minute
    • Add grated Onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until slightly brown
    • Add Tomato Passata and cook for 2-3 minutes
    • Add Red Chilli Powder and cook for 30 seconds
    • Drain the lentils and add to pressure cooker. Add Red Kidney Beans and 800ml of water. Add Salt (1 tsp but adjust to taste)
    • Close pressure cooker and cook for 35-40 minutes. Once cooked, turn off and let the pressure release naturally (around 5-10 minutes)
    • Open pressure cooker and check lentils, they should break when pressed with a creamy centre
    • Add Garam Masala and adjust Salt as required
    • Add Double Cream and mix, cook for a further 7-10 minutes


    Assembly
    • Transfer to bowls and top with Ghee and Double Cream
    • Serve with Roti

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