Dal Makhani Punjabi Dhaba Style | Indian Buttery Black Lentils Dal

Dal Makhani Punjabi is an incredibly delicious lentil dish with layers and layers of yummy goodness! A popular Indian dal recipe made from whole black lentils simmered in a creamy tomato onion sauce with aromatic spices and butter. Serve Punjabi black dal with traditional Naan or Roti for a great meal.

I love anything with lentils and Indian butter lentils are just divine! It’s the best recipe with black lentils I’ve ever come across. This popular Punjab dal recipe uses a mix of spices and makes for a warm and comforting dish.

Dal Makhani is pretty easy to prepare. It’s a regular dal in our home! It’s yummy, filling and perfect for those cold wintry days. Buttered black lentils always make you feel better with its creamy texture and rich flavour.

I had earlier posted Dal Makhani Recipe with Red Kidney Beans. This is a simple black dal recipe without Rajma (Red kidney Beans).

What is Makhani Dal?

Makhani Dal, also known as Dal Makhani, is a creamy lentil curry primarily made with whole black lentils (urad dal) and red kidney beans (rajma). The term “Makhani” translates to “buttery,” highlighting the rich and indulgent flavors achieved by adding butter and cream. Originating from Punjab, this dish is slow-cooked for hours to develop its signature depth and velvety texture.

Health Benefits of Black Lentils

Rich in Protein: Black lentils are a fantastic plant-based protein source, making them ideal for vegetarians and vegans.
Packed with Fiber: They promote digestive health and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Iron-Rich: Black lentils are a great way to combat anemia and boost energy.
Loaded with Antioxidants: These lentils contain polyphenols, which help fight inflammation.
Heart-Healthy: They are low in fat and cholesterol, supporting cardiovascular health.

Dal Makhani Punjabi Recipe:

Dal Makhani is a classic Indian deliciously buttery lentil dish cooked with fragrant spices. It’s a tasty dal with the truly Indian flavours coming through. There a lot going here in this flavoursome black lentils dish. You just can’t beat home-cooked daal makhani.

Punjabi Black Lentils Dal is a timeless dish that warms the heart and soul. With its creamy texture, smoky flavor, and rich taste, this dal is a celebration of Indian cuisine at its finest. Whether served with rice, roti, or naan, it’s sure to become a favorite on your dining table. So, gather your ingredients, follow these tips, and let the magic of Dal Makhani unfold in your kitchen!

For this dhaba style sabut urad dal recipe, firstly take 1 cup of whole black gram dal in a bowl and wash it well. Soak it overnight in sufficient water.

Next drain and rinse the soaked black lentils well. Put the sabut urad dal in a pressure cooker along with 3 cups of water, 2 slit chillies 1 sliced onion, salt and asafoetida.

Then pressure cook the lentils on medium-high flame till soft. Drain and keep aside; reserve the cooking liqueur. (If you don’t have a pressure cooker at home, just add the lentils, water, sliced onions, salt, green chillies and asafoetida to a large saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cover, reduce heat to medium and cook until lentils are tender, about 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, slice onions and tomatoes, slit the chilli, chop garlic and coriander leaves and cut ginger into juliennes.

Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large kadai. Then add 2 sliced onions and fry over medium-high heat till they start to brown.

Add the finely grated ginger and minced garlic. Mix well and fry for 1 minute.

Now tip in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 4-5 minutes, till they turn mushy.

Then add cumin powder, coriander powder, salt and red chilli powder.

Fry for a couple of minutes till the fragrant mixture starts to ooze oil from the sides.

Add the cooked black lentils and combine well. Pour the cooking liqueur and simmer for 10-15 minutes, till the gravy starts to thicken. The secret to a flavourful dal is slowly simmering it over low heat.

Mix in cream and simmer for a couple of minutes on low heat. (You can use milk instead of cream).

Turn off the gas and stir in butter. Keep the black lentil dahl aside.
In a small frying pan, heat some ghee over medium heat. Sizzle cumin seeds.

Pour the hot tempering over the dal. Mix gently to combine. Finally, sprinkle chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot Punjabi Dal Makhani Punjabi style with Rice or Indian flatbread.

If you are searching for more Punjabi dal recipes, then do try out Lasooni Yellow Dal Recipe.

Makhani Dal Serving Suggestions

Pair it with steaming hot jeera rice or soft, buttery naan for a classic combination.
Serve with fresh salad, pickle, and a dollop of yogurt for a balanced meal.
Accompany with a glass of chilled lassi for an authentic Punjabi dining experience.

Variations for Punjabi Black Lentils Dal

Vegan Version: Substitute butter and cream with vegan alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream.
Spicy Twist: Add more green chilies and extra red chili powder for a fiery kick.
Restaurant Style: Use charcoal smoke for a smoky flavor by placing hot charcoal in a bowl over the dal, pouring ghee, and covering it for 5 minutes.
Low-Calorie Option: Reduce the butter and cream; use milk or almond milk for creaminess.
Quick Version: Use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot for faster cooking.

Tips for Perfect Punjabi Black Lentils Dal

Soaking is Key: Always soak lentils and beans overnight for faster cooking and better texture.
Slow Cooking: Simmering the dal for a long time enhances the flavor and creaminess.
Mash Slightly: Lightly mash the cooked lentils to achieve a creamy consistency.
Balance Spices: Adjust spices carefully to balance the richness of butter and cream.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ginger, garlic, and tomatoes for a more vibrant flavor.

Buttery Black Lentils Dhal Dhaba Style:

Punjabi Makhani Dal

Dal Makhani is a dish that exemplifies the essence of Indian cuisine—rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. With its creamy texture and smoky aroma, it’s sure to win hearts at your dining table. Whether you’re recreating it for a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence, this recipe ensures you master the art of making the perfect Dal Makhani every single time.

Course Main Course Vegetarian

Cuisine Punjabi

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings 6

Calories 250kcal

Author Shil

Ingredients

Pressure Cook:

Whole black lentils sabut urad dal – 1 cup
Asafoetida – 1/8 tsp
Salt – ½ tsp
Onion – 1 medium finely sliced
Green chillies – 2 slit
Water – 3 cups

For Gravy:

Onions – 2 medium finely sliced
Ginger – 2-inch piece juliennes
Garlic – 1 tbsp minced
Tomatoes – 3 medium chopped
Salt – 1 tsp
Coriander powder – 2 tsp
Cumin powder 2 tsp
Red chilli powder – ½ tsp
Cream – ½ cup whisked
Butter – 1 tsp
Oil – 2 tbsp
Coriander leaves – 2 tbsp chopped

For tadka:

Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Ghee – 2 tbsp

Instructions

Take black lentils in a large bowl and wash well. Cover with water and let stand overnight.
Drain and wash lentils. Place sabut urad dal in a pressure cooker and add 3 cups of water, one sliced onion, 2 slit green chillies, salt and hing.
Pressure cook for 6-7 whistles on medium-high flame or till lentils are very tender. Drain the cooked whole black urad dal; reserve the cooking water.
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining sliced onions and fry till they start to brown.
Add the ginger juliennes and minced garlic to the pan. Fry for a minute.
Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes, till softened.
Add the spices – salt, chilli powder, cumin powder and coriander powder. Fry for 1-2 minutes till all the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is fragrant.
Add the tender black gram lentils to the pan and mix well. Add the reserved cooking water and cook covered for about 10 minutes, till you get a thick gravy-like consistency.
Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 1-2 minutes, until well combined. (You can substitute cream with milk).
Remove from heat and add a small knob of butter. Set aside the black gram dal.
Heat ghee in a small kadai. Add cumin seeds and sauté till they stop popping. Carefully pour the tadka over the cooked lentils and mix to combine. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Serve Creamy Indian Black Lentil Dal with Naan.