Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: daal, dal makhani
- 1 c urad daal (black)
- 3/4 c kidney beans (dry)
- 6 c water
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 c yellow onions (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp ginger (grated)
- 2 tbsp garlic (chopped)
- 1 c crushed tomatoes
- 2 green chillies
- 3 cloves
- 3 choti eliachi (cardamom)
- 1 badi elachi (big cardamom)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- pinch of hing
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1.5 tsp kashmiri mirch
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp kasoori meethi leaves
- 1.5 tsp coriander powder
- 1/3 c cream
- 3 tbsp butter
- salt (to taste)
Soak your urad daal and dried kidney beans overnight (the longer the better).
Sauté your onions until translucent and then add garlic and ginger. Cook another minute.
Add in all spices: cumin seeds, hing, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, kasoori meethi, cloves, cardamon (big and small) and the cinnamon stick.
Sauté the spices until aromatic (about a minute) Make sure the heat is on medium or medium-low so the spiccs don't burn.
Add crushed tomatoes, green chilies, and salt. Sauté well until the oil starts to separate from the mixture. This could take 3-5 minutes. Make sure to keep stirring constantly so the mixture doesn't stick to the bottom or burn.
Add your water, and then cook your mixture for at least 45 minutes to an hour. This is really going to depend on what appliance you use and how much your beans have softened. I really recommend using a pressure cooker or instant pot. A dutch oven or regular pan with a lid could work but it will take much longer!
Once the daal is close to being done, make sure to check on it to make sure the mixture hasn't dried up too much. If it has, you can adjust by adding more water. Also, be super careful if you aren't used to working with a pressure cooker! If you're going to check on the mixture, let all of the hot air out first (carefully) and then gently open the cooker to take a look.
Once the daal is done, mix in your butter and cream, and serve with naan, roti, or rice. Garnish with cilantro if desired.