Slow Cooker Dal Makhani

$- 1 cup black urad dal (black gram), soaked overnight - 1/3 cup rajma (kidney beans), soaked overnight - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 medium tomatoes, pureed - 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste - 2 green chilies, slit - 1 teaspoon cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon garam masala - 1 teaspoon red chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder - 3 cups water - Salt to taste - 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream - Fresh coriander for garnish - 2 tablespoons butter or ghee To ensure you get the best taste, measuring your ingredients is key. Here’s a quick guide for conversions: - 1 cup = 240 grams for dry ingredients - For canned beans, 1 cup is about 250 grams Using quality ingredients matters. Look for organic brands for the best flavors. Start by soaking the black urad dal and rajma overnight. This softens the beans and helps them cook faster. After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them well under cold water. This step removes any dirt and excess starch. Set the drained beans aside for later. In a large skillet, heat butter or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. This wakes up their flavor. Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook until the onion turns golden brown, which takes about five to seven minutes. Then, stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for one minute, then add the pureed tomatoes. Stir until the oil separates from the tomato mixture. Finally, mix in the red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. This blend of spices creates a rich base for your dal. In your slow cooker, combine the soaked black urad dal and rajma with the prepared tomato-onion mixture. Pour in three cups of water and stir everything together. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low heat for six to eight hours. The beans should become soft and tender by the end. After cooking, stir in the heavy cream and garam masala. Let it cook for an additional thirty minutes on low heat. This step adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to your dal makhani. To get soft and creamy dal, soak the black urad dal and rajma overnight. This helps the beans absorb water and cook faster. When you cook, check the beans after the first six hours. If they are not soft enough, let them cook longer. You can always adjust cooking time based on your taste. If you like it creamier, add more heavy cream at the end. Spices can elevate your dal. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of fenugreek leaves for depth. These extra flavors can make your dish stand out. After cooking, let the dal rest for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows flavors to meld beautifully. If your dal is too thick, add a bit of water and stir. Want a thicker consistency? Let it cook with the lid slightly open. This helps steam escape. To avoid burning, stir the dal every couple of hours. This keeps the bottom from sticking and ensures even cooking. For the full recipe, check out the details above! {{image_2}} You can easily make dal makhani vegan. Just swap heavy cream for coconut cream. This change adds a nice, rich flavor. Coconut cream also keeps the dish creamy. You can add vegetables like spinach or carrots for more nutrition. They blend well with the dal’s taste. If you like heat, try adding more chili peppers. You can also use spicy spices like cayenne or paprika. This will kick up the flavor. Different regions have their own spicy twists on dal makhani. For example, some areas add extra garlic or different herbs. Explore these variations to find your favorite heat level. You can change the legumes in this dish. Chickpeas or green lentils work well too. Each legume gives a unique taste and texture. Remember, changing the beans may affect cooking times. Some lentils cook faster than black urad dal. Always check for softness to know when it's done. For the full recipe, check the section above. To store your leftover dal makhani, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. You can enjoy it for up to five days in the fridge. If you want to use it later, make sure it is sealed well to avoid any odors. Freezing dal makhani is an easy option. First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into portions and store in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Your dal will last in the freezer for about three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it looks too thick. For quick meals, consider storing dal makhani in single portions. This makes it easy to heat and enjoy during busy days. Pair it with rice or naan for a complete meal. You can also add a side salad or yogurt for a fresh touch. This way, you can have a tasty and healthy lunch or dinner ready in minutes. Dal Makhani stands out due to its rich and creamy texture. It uses black urad dal and rajma, creating a hearty base. Other dal dishes often use split lentils or different beans, which vary in texture and flavor. For example, Tadka Dal has a thinner consistency and uses yellow lentils. Dal Makhani cooks low and slow, allowing flavors to deepen. You can cook this recipe on high heat, but it may change the texture. Cooking on high can make beans mushy. I recommend checking them often. If you decide to go this route, you might need to adjust the water. Use less water to keep it thick. Dal Makhani is naturally gluten-free but check the spices. Some spice blends may have gluten. Use fresh spices whenever possible. Serve with gluten-free bread or rice for a complete meal. Enjoy it with gluten-free naan or steamed rice for a tasty match. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Dal Makhani. You learned about essential ingredients, like black urad dal, rajma, and spices. I provided step-by-step instructions for making this dish in a slow cooker. We also discussed tips for perfect texture and flavor enhancements. Lastly, I shared storage info and answered common questions. I hope you feel ready to cook this satisfying meal. Enjoy every bite!$

Savor the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Dal Makhani with this easy recipe! This hearty dish combines black urad dal and kidney beans in a creamy, aromatic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, just toss in your ingredients and let the slow cooker do the magic. With simple steps and common ingredients, you can create a comforting meal that everyone will love. Click through now to discover the full recipe and elevate your cooking!

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Ingredients

1 cup black urad dal (black gram), soaked overnight

1/3 cup rajma (kidney beans), soaked overnight

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 medium tomatoes, pureed

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

2 green chilies, slit

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option)

3 cups water

2 tablespoons butter or ghee

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Beans: Drain and rinse the soaked black urad dal and rajma. Set aside.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then, add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.

Add Spices and Tomato: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and cook for a minute before adding the tomato puree. Cook until the oil separates from the tomato mixture. Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt, and mix well.

Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the soaked dal and rajma, the prepared tomato-onion mixture, and pour in 3 cups of water. Stir to combine all ingredients.

Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are soft and tender.

Finish with Cream: Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream and garam masala. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on low.

Garnish and Serve: Ladle the dal makhani into bowls and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 8 hours | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the dal in a decorative bowl with a swirl of cream on top and a sprinkle of coriander. Pair it with warm naan or steamed rice for a delightful meal.