Friday, December 11, 2009

Dal Makhani - Lentils in a Creamy Gravy

By Lloyd Pinto

Dal Makhani consists of lentils and beans in a creamy butter gravy. Dal Makhani can be made with a variety of dals and is a staple dish in Indian households.

Ingredients

1/2 cup urad dal (Whole black lentils), 2 tbsp rajma (Kidney beans), 2 medium sized onions finely chopped, 1 tsp ginger paste, 1 tsp garlic paste, Pulp of 3 medium sized fresh tomatoes, 2 green chillies slit, 1/4 tsp haldi powder (Turmeric powder), 1/2 tsp jeera (Cumin seeds), 1 tsp chilli powder (Chilli powder), 2 tsp dhania powder (Coriander powder), 1/2 tsp garam masala, 1-2 tbsp oil, 1/2 cup cream, Salt to taste, Fresh coriander leaves chopped (Cilantro) and 1-2 tbsp butter for garnish

Method

1. Clean, wash and soak the whole urad - lentils and rajma- kidney beans overnight separately. Drain and keep aside.

2. Combine the lentils and beans and add 2 cups of water with little salt (as per taste) and pressure cook till the dals are overcooked. Whisk well till the dal is almost mashed.

3. Heat the oil in a non-stick pan and add cumin seeds. When the cumin seeds crackle, add the slit green chillies, chopped onions, ginger paste and garlic paste. Fry the onion till golden brown over a medium flame.

4. Then add turmeric powder, chilli powder and coriander powder and stir for 5 mins.

5. Add tomato pulp and stir till the oil separates.

6. Add the cooked dal and 3/4 - 1 cup of water and salt (as per taste) simmer it for 15 mins till it becomes little thick.

7. Add the garam masala and stir.

8. Add the cream to this mixture and stir gently.

9. Garnish with the chopped coriander and some melted butter.

10. Serve with steamed rice or phulkas

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