Dal Makhani

Introduction

Dal Makhani is a North Indian classic that’s revered for its rich, buttery texture and complex flavors. This signature dish blends whole black lentils and kidney beans, slow-cooked in a spiced tomato and cream sauce. With its velvety mouthfeel and deep, warming flavors, Dal Makhani is a showstopper for dinner parties, family gatherings, or any night when comfort food is on the menu.

Why Dal Makhani is a Flavorful, Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food

Dal Makhani stands out for its luxurious, slow-cooked goodness and aromatic blend of spices. The combination of creamy lentils, subtle tang from tomatoes, and the richness of butter creates a harmony of flavors and textures. This dish can elevate any meal, becoming an instant favorite among vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Perfecting the Dal Makhani Base

The secret to authentic Dal Makhani lies in its long, slow simmering, allowing the lentils to absorb all the flavors. Start by soaking black lentils and kidney beans overnight. After pressure cooking them to softness, a base of spiced tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and onion forms the flavor backbone. A final addition of cream and butter infuses the dish with its signature richness.

How to Serve Dal Makhani for Maximum Enjoyment

Dal Makhani is traditionally served hot, garnished with a swirl of fresh cream and chopped cilantro. Pair it with naan, roti, or steamed basmati rice to soak up its velvety sauce. Add a side of pickled onions or a squeeze of lemon for brightness, and you have a complete, satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 hearty servings. Each serving contains roughly 350 calories, packed with plant-based protein and fiber. Dal Makhani delivers comfort with nourishment, making it a satiating centerpiece for any Indian-inspired meal.

Dal Makhani: Flavor Recap

Rich, creamy, and layered with warming spices, Dal Makhani is more than just a lentil curry—it’s a celebration of texture and flavor perfect for sharing at any table.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list—sorted by store section—for stress-free meal planning and smarter grocery trips.

Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the black lentils and kidney beans overnight (or at least 8 hours).
2. Drain and transfer the soaked pulses to a pressure cooker. Add 4 cups water and a pinch of salt. Cook for 15-20 minutes under pressure (or simmer until soft if using a saucepan), then set aside.
3. Heat butter and oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cumin seeds and bay leaves; sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add onions and sauté until golden. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add tomato puree, coriander powder, turmeric, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the oil separates from the masala (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Add the cooked lentils and beans along with their water. Simmer uncovered on low for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For ultra-creamy texture, mash a few lentils against the side as you cook.
7. Stir in garam masala, fenugreek leaves (if using), and cream. Simmer for another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. Finish with a knob of butter and chopped cilantro. Swirl in extra cream before serving, if desired. Serve hot with naan, rice, or roti.

Weekly Meal Planning

Dal Makhani is a fantastic option for weekly meal prep. It tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight, making it a prime candidate for batch cooking. Save and schedule this recipe in your meal plan—CookifyAI will consolidate all your ingredients, calculate precise quantities, and sort your shopping list by grocery section for maximum efficiency.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically sums ingredient amounts across recipes for the week
• Simplifies shopping with organized, categorized lists
• Reduces food waste and duplicate purchases by cross-referencing with your planned meals
• Makes prepping for multiple meals straightforward and hassle-free

Pro tip: Schedule Dal Makhani alongside other legume-based recipes; CookifyAI will calculate exactly how many beans or lentils you need, making bulk shopping and prep easy.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep time: 15 minutes (plus soaking time)
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: About 1 hour 15 minutes (excluding soaking)

Enjoy rich, nourishing, and irresistibly creamy Dal Makhani—and simplify your weekly meal planning with CookifyAI!