Dal Makhani/Maa ki Dal/Kaali Dal:

The first time I had tasted Dal Makhani was from a restaurant in Miami and I found it to be so rich and creamy that I decided to try to make  it  myself. Here, the dal used is Whole Urad Dal or black lentil and what makes it more delicious is the fresh cream and butter that’s used in it. Dal Makhani is also called Maa ki Dal or Kaali Dal. It is called Kaali Dal, basically because the lentil used in here is the black one. Dunno why it is called Maa ki Daal ….. I guess may be because it reminds you of your mom due to its very tempting flavour !!

Ingredients:

• Whole Urad Dal/ black lentils….. 2 cups(soaked overnight)
• Red Kidney beans/Rajma….. 1 cup(soaked overnight)
• Chopped Onions….. 1 cup
• Chopped tomatoes…. 1 cup
• Ginger Garlic paste… 1 tspn
• Chilli powder…. 1 tspn
• Turmeric powder….. 1/2 tspn
• Coriander powder…. 1 tspn
• Kasoori Methi powder…. 2 tspn
• Whole Garam Masala(cinnamon, black cardamom, bay leaf, cloves)
• Fresh Cream…. 1/2 cup
• Salt to taste
• Oil or butter
• Water

Method:

1. Cook the black lentils and the kideny beans in a pressure cooker for 5-6 whistles or till the dals are properly cooked( do not overcook).
2. Heat oil or butter in a pan.
3. Add the whole garam masala and let it splutter.
4. Now add the chopped onions and fry till it turns golden brown.
5. Add the ginger garlic paste and turmeric and fry well.
6. Now add the chilli powder and coriander powder and mix well.
7. Add the chopped tomatoes.
8. Add the cooked dal and water to this and mix well.
9. Let it cook for sometime.
10. Now add the fresh cream and mix well.
11. Add the kasoori methi powder and salt . Simmer for about 5 minutes.
12. Put off the stove. Garnish with cilantro leaves.
13. Serve with rice or rotis.