Dal Makhani (Healthy Version without Butter/Cream ) Recipe

Dal Makhani has been attributed as one of the most popular dishes of Punjabi cuisine in North India. It’s main ingredients are Sabut Urad Dal (whole black lentil) and rajma (red kidney beans). Some people include chana dal for thicker consistency. A lot of butter and cream is usually added for makhani texture.

Lentils are a very good source of protein, dietary fiber and many other essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, folic acid, iron, zinc etc.

No butter/cream has been added in healthy version of delectable Dal Makhani. Key is to mash dal and rajma properly post boiling and allow it to simmer . Yogurt has been added for additional tanginess and fenugreek leaves give it a nice aroma.

Serves:2-3 Persons

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 Cup Sabut Urad Dal (Whole Black Lentil)
• 2 Tbsp Rajma (Red Kidney Beans)
• 3 1/2 Medium Tomatoes
• 5-6 Garlic Cloves
• 2″ Ginger piece
• 1 Green Chilli
• 1/2 Tsp Asafoetida ( Heeng)
• 2 1/2 Tsp Cumin Seeds ( Jeera)
• 1 1/2 Tsp Coriander Powder (Pisi Dhaniya Powder)
• 1 Tsp Cumin Seeds Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Red Chilli Powder
• 1/2 Tsp Garam Masala
• 2-3 Tbsp Yogurt
• 1 Tsp Fenugreek Leaves Powder (Kasoori Methi )
• Salt as per Taste
• 1 Tbsp Oil
• Coriander Leaves (For Garnishing)

METHOD  

1. Clean urad dal and rajma with water. Soak them for 5-6 hours or overnight.
2. Transfer soaked urad dal and rajma to a pressure cooker. Add salt and 2 cups of water to it.
3. Boil at high flame for one whistle . Lower the flame and boil for 20-25 minutes.
4. Mash dal and rajma with the help of a masher.
5. Make a paste of tomato, green chilli, garlic and ginger in a mixer-grinder.
6. Heat oil in a kadai and add asafoetida and cumin seeds.
7. Once cumin seeds begin to crackle, add tomato paste and cook for 3-4 minutes.
8. Sprinkle coriander powder, cumin seeds powder and red chilli powder over tomato paste and mix the ingredients.
9. Transfer mashed dal and rajma with 1 1/4 cup of water to kadai.
10. Cover kadai with a lid and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
11. Add whisked yogurt, kasoori methi and garam masala.
12. Cook for 5 minutes and turn off the flame.
13. Garnish with coriander leaves.

TIPS/SUGGESTIONS

1. Dry roast fenugreek leaves and rub them with fingers to get it in powdered form.
2. You can pour a teaspoon of ghee over dal makhani for aroma and shinier texture.