Dal Makhani: A Traditional Punjabi Recipe

Dal Makhani is a quintessential dish from the Indian state of Punjab. It is a creamy, flavorful lentil dish that is a staple in Punjabi cuisine. Dal Makhani is made with black lentils, kidney beans, butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices that give it a distinct, rich flavour. In this article, we will take a closer look at the recipe for making Dal Makhani at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup black lentils (whole urad dal)
• 1/4 cup kidney beans (rajma)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 2-3 green chillies, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon red chilli powder
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 tablespoon garam masala powder
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons cream
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the black lentils and kidney beans thoroughly and soak them in water overnight.

2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked lentils and beans along with 4 cups of water. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the lentils are soft and tender.

3. In a separate pan, heat the butter and add cumin seeds. Once the seeds start spluttering, add chopped onions and green chillies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.

4. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute. Then, add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.

5. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder to the pan. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

6. Add the cooked lentils and beans to the pan along with salt. Mix well and cook on low flame for 10-15 minutes.

7. Add cream and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.

8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or naan.

Tips:

• Soaking the lentils and beans overnight is important for them to cook evenly and become tender.
• You can adjust the number of green chillies and red chilli powder according to your spice preference.
• Adding cream is optional, but it gives the dish a creamy texture and enhances the flavours.

In conclusion, Dal Makhani is a delicious and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed with family and friends. It is the perfect comfort food for any occasion and is sure to leave everyone asking for more. With this recipe, you can now easily make this traditional Punjabi dish at home and impress your loved ones.