Dal Makhani (Butter Lentils)

Name: Dal Makhani (Butter Lentils)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups lentils; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon chile powder; 1 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper; ½ teaspoon ground cloves; ½ teaspoon ground allspice; 2 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 5 tomatoes, pureed; 2 tablespoons ginger paste; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons white sugar; salt to taste; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 6 tablespoons butter; 1 lime, cut into wedges

Rating: 3.7 stars

10 Ratings
12 Reviews
3 Photos

This is my adaptation of Dal Makhani. This is a slightly sweet and savory version compared to the tomato-based versions out there - it reminds me more of what you would get in a restaurant. I use sugar, cinnamon, and more butter than other offerings in my version. I always make my version of Coconut Chicken Curry when I make this recipe. This dish pairs well with a rice side; I prefer basmati rice, particularly as a pilaf. It also pairs well with naan bread.

By Matthieu Duquette

Gallery

Recipe Summary test

prep:

15 mins

cook:

1 hr

additional:

1 hr

total:

2 hrs 15 mins

Servings:

Yield:

6 servings

Nutrition Info

Directions

Step 1
Soak lentils in a saucepan of water for 1 hour. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Drain.

Advertisement
Step 2
Heat cinnamon, chile powder, coriander, cumin, turmeric, nutmeg, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, cloves, allspice, and bay leaves in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Step 3
Stir olive oil into the skillet. Add tomatoes, ginger paste, and garlic; simmer until flavors combine, about 10 minutes. Stir in sugar and salt. Cook until mixture thickens into a pulpy sauce, about 5 minutes. Add lentils and simmer until tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 4
Stir cream and butter into sauce. Cook until sauce thickens and lentils are very soft, about 30 minutes. Squeeze some lime juice over each serving.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving:

534 calories; protein 15.7g; carbohydrates 48.5g; fat 32.7g; cholesterol 84.9mg; sodium 137.6mg. Full Nutrition

Reviews (12)

Most helpful positive review

Sparrow

03/08/2017

I liked this recipe. It was heady with all the spices but it worked well together and smelled great while cooking. I subbed a mixture of canned and bottled coconut milk for the whipping cream which I thought was a good choice that fit well for this Indian dish. It was super easy and I would make it again. Thanks for adding this wonderful recipe. Read More

Helpful

(4)

Most helpful critical review

mary stevenson

05/01/2020

This recipe has too much spice. I would suggest cutting the spice in half. Read More

10 Ratings

5 star values: 4
4 star values: 2
3 star values: 2
2 star values: 1
1 star values: 1

Reviews: Most Helpful

Most Helpful Most Positive Least Positive Newest

Sparrow

03/08/2017

Helpful

(4)

Buckwheat Queen

Allstar

01/01/2017

This is quite nice. I typically don't like half of the spices listed but they work well here because they go so well with all the flavors. The method is simple and easy to follow. All-in-all this is an excellent recipe. Thank you for sharing it with us. Read More

Helpful

(2)

Antonia

05/17/2018

We loved it! I left out the sugar since I don't like sweets. I also cut down on chilly because my son wouldn't eat it. it was still delicious! Read More

Gabby

12/03/2018

Very tasty! I didn't have the chili powder cayenne or fresh tomatoes so substituted a can of pureed tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Served with garlic naan. Looking forward to the leftovers! For the reviewer who said this is not a soup that's right - this dish isn't meant to be a soup either. Don't try to thin it. And for those who think it's too sweet tradionally makhani has a definite sweetness to it. This was a great hearty vegetarian meal for a cold night?? Read More

Mary Ellen

04/09/2017

This is not a soup but a thick sauce. I had to add more tomatoes and beans and wish it had more lentils. I added almost a whole container of vegetable broth. Would not make this again. Read More

mary stevenson

05/01/2020

This recipe has too much spice. I would suggest cutting the spice in half. Read More

Christine Stewart

06/23/2020

Yummy. I did use half the cinnamon as recommended, and added a 1/4 tsp of cardmom. I also halved the sugar. It was delicious. Read More

Mandy

09/10/2018

Too much cinnamon it overpowered the other spices way too much. Though the author did say she enjoyed a sweet dal so that's to be expected. For a spicier Dal I use 1/2 Tbs Cinnamon and then 2 Tbs Cayenne and chile powder. Other than that the texture was great it was very fragrant and a lot of fun to make! I substituted lemon juice instead of lime. Read More

More Reviews

Back to Dal Makhani (Butter Lentils)

All Reviews for Dal Makhani (Butter Lentils)

- of Reviews

Dal Makhani (Butter Lentils)

Servings Per Recipe: 6
Calories: 533.5

% Daily Value *

protein: 31 %

carbohydrates: 16 %

dietary fiber: 78 %

sugars:

fat: 50 %

saturated fat: 88 %

cholesterol: 28 %

vitamin a iu: 47 %

niacin equivalents: 38 %

vitamin b6: 32 %

vitamin c: 37 %

folate: 64 %

calcium: 13 %

iron: 35 %

magnesium: 35 %

potassium: 27 %

sodium: 6 %

thiamin: 33 %

calories from fat:

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

**Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-)Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Reviews for Photos of Dal Makhani (Butter Lentils)

1 of 12

All Reviews

Sparrow

03/08/2017

Helpful

(4)

Buckwheat Queen

Allstar

01/01/2017

Helpful

(2)

Antonia

05/17/2018

We loved it! I left out the sugar since I don't like sweets. I also cut down on chilly because my son wouldn't eat it. it was still delicious!

Gabby

12/03/2018

Mary Ellen

04/09/2017

This is not a soup but a thick sauce. I had to add more tomatoes and beans and wish it had more lentils. I added almost a whole container of vegetable broth. Would not make this again.

mary stevenson