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Dal Makhani

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Create this comforting meal on a cool evening with someone you love and cozy up.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dried black lentils
  • 1 can kidney beans (15oz)
  • 1 white onion (chopped)
  • 6 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 green chillis (chopped)*
  • 1 tbsp ginger (minced)
  • 2 cups tomato puree
  • 2.5 tbsp plant butter
  • 1 tbsp cumin powder
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • ½ tsp turmeric powder
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 6 cups filtered water
  • 1 can coconut milk (full fat)*

Garnish

  • cilantro
  • lime
  • coconut cream

Serve

  • basmati rice

Instructions

  • Add dried lentils, water and a pinch of salt to a pressure cooker
  • Pressure cook the lentils according to your machine settings (about 15 minutes high pressure) *
  • When the lentils are cooked, drain and keep the remaining liquid for later
  • Lightly mash half of the lentils and set aside
  • Warm a large skillet on low-medium heat and add 2 tablespoons butter
  • Add chopped green chilis, ginger, onions and a pinch of salt
  • Saute for about 3 minutes, deglazing the pan with a splash of water if needed - to keep from burning
  • Add garlic, saute for 1 minute
  • Add remaining spices (cumin, salt, garam masala, ground coriander, turmeric powder, pepper, bay leaves)
  • Saute for 30 seconds, to heat spices and incorporate
  • Add tomatoes - watch for the splash - and stir together for 3 minutes
  • Add lentils (half mashed half full), kidney beans, 2 cups water, coconut milk, ½ tablespoon butter - stir to combine *
  • When combined, lower the heat to low, cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes
  • Garnish with cilantro, lime and coconut cream
  • Serve warm with basmati rice and enjoy!

Notes

Green chilis that suit your spice level (poblano, green chili, anaheim etc.)
When adding 2 cups of water to the skillet, add in the liquid reserve you saved  from the pressure cooked lentils. EX:  If you have ½ cup lentil water reserved, add in 1 ½ cups filtered water to compensate. If you have 1 cup lentil water reserved, add in 1 cup filtered water. If you have none reserved from the pressure cooked lentils, no worries - just add 2 cups filtered water.
Support coconut milk companies that have good ethos. Always buy organic, fair trade and research their sourcing to ensure they are being transparent. I like to buy these bulk online.