Restaurant-Style Creamy Dal Makhani

Step 1: Soak and Pressure Cook the Lentils

1. Wash the black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma) thoroughly. Soak them in plenty of water overnight (at least 8 hours).
2. Drain the soaking water and transfer the lentils to a pressure cooker with 4 cups of fresh water and a pinch of salt.
3. Pressure cook on medium heat for 6 to 8 whistles until the lentils and kidney beans are completely soft and easy to mash between your fingers.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato-Spice Tempering (Tadka)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a deep, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell goes away.
4. Pour in the fresh tomato puree, Farm Spices Dal Makhani Masala, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt. Cook on low-to-medium heat until the butter starts separating from the edges of the masala.

Step 3: Simmer the Dal to Perfection

1. Add the cooked lentils along with their remaining cooking water into the pan. Mix well with the cooked tomato masala.
2. Use the back of a ladle to lightly mash a few lentils against the sides of the pan—this gives the dal its signature thick, creamy texture.
3. Pour in 1 cup of warm water, cover with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Step 4: Finish with Cream & Serve Hot

1. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and 3 tablespoons of fresh cream.
2. Give it a gentle final mix and let it simmer for just 2 more minutes before turning off the heat.
3. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle a swirl of fresh cream on top, and garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
4. Serve piping hot with garlic naan, tandoori roti, or steamed basmati rice!

Quick Pro Tip:

The secret to the best Dal Makhani is slow simmering! The longer you let it cook on low heat after adding Farm Spices Dal Makhani Masala, the deeper and richer the flavors will get.