ma ki dal
dal makhani (which means "butter lentils") is a popular northern indian dish that is also called "ma ki dal" ("mom's lentils"). made with the small black beans called "urad dal," this creamy dish is sure to please everyone. the recipe below serves 3-4.
1. soak in water for 8-12 hours:
1/2 c urad dal (the kind with the black shell still on, either split or unsplit)
1 T kidney beans
2. drain dal & cook (in a pressure cooker, in a regular pot on the stove, or in a slow cooker/crockpot) until very soft & creamy (the softer the better....I'm talking like 20 hours in a crockpot), along with:
1/2 T ghee (clarified butter)
3/4 t salt
appropriate amount of water (about 2-3 c)
3. heat in a pan:
1 T ghee
4. puree together, then add to ghee and fry until mostly dry:
2 tomatoes
1/2" piece of ginger
2 cloves garlic
fresh or ground red chilies (such as kashmiri mirch) to taste
1/2 t garam masala
1 t coriander powder
5. add and fry about 1 minute:
1/2 T dried fenugreek leaves
6. add tomato/spice mixture to dal, along with:
1 T butter
7. simmer for 20-30 min or until dal is the right consistency (like a thick soup), occasionally stirring, then add:
1/4 cup half-and-half (half cream, half milk)
8. simmer for 1-2 more minutes, stirring. add salt if necessary.
enjoy!
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