Dal Makhani (Indian Lentils)

Ever go to an Indian restaurant and wonder how they make those lentils? I hated lentils before I discovered Indian food. Then I scoured the internet to figure out how they achieved them, and through mixing and matching recipes and methods on videos, I’ve arrived at this recipe, which I think is pretty close. This version is very rich, but you can leave out the cream to make it lighter. Kasuri methi (fenugreek leaves) is almost impossible to find in the U.S., even in NYC, but it gives this dish something very special.

Step: 1

Place lentils and kidney beans in a large bowl; cover with plenty of water. Soak for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain.

Step: 2

Cook lentils, kidney beans, 5 cups water, and salt in a pot over medium heat until tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour. Remove from heat and set aside. Keep the lentils, kidney beans, and any excess cooking water in the pot.

Step: 3

Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook cumin seeds in the hot oil until they begin to pop, 1 to 2 minutes. Add cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and cloves; cook until bay leaves turn brown, about 1 minute. Reduce heat to medium-low; add ginger paste, garlic paste, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Stir to coat.

Step: 4

Stir tomato puree into spice mixture; cook over medium heat until slightly reduced, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, coriander, and butter; cook and stir until butter is melted.

Step: 5

Stir lentils, kidney beans and any leftover cooking water into tomato mixture; bring to a boil, reduce heat to low. Stir fenugreek into lentil mixture. Cover saucepan and simmer until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Add cream and cook until heated through, 2 to 4 minutes.

Per Serving: 390 calories; protein 13.2g; carbohydrates 37.1g; fat 21.5g; cholesterol 47.5mg; sodium 420.2mg.

Getting stay in and cook your dinner instead of eat in the evening out is already a step in the right way if you’re more point on eating healthier. There’s no best way to know precisely what’s happen into the food you’re eating than by making it yourself! Mastering the main dish is only half the battle , though . And once you’ve perfected your chicken, steak, or fish, it’s time to make your attention to the ever- important side dishes.

A side dish would easily make down of your health goals, as sugar , sodium, fat, and calories would all get than high quickly if you’re not think about it . But with our healthy side dish recipes, you won’t ever run into that mistakes .