Cardamom-Scented Shortcut Dal Makhani

1. 1

   Add the canola oil to a wide saucepan (I used a 4 quart) set over medium-high heat. Peel and finely chop the onion. When the oil is hot, add the onion and cook until they are softened and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. If the onions start to brown too quickly, lower the heat.

2. 2

   In the meantime, peel and finely chop the garlic and ginger, then seed and chop the chilis. (Or you can do what I did - peel the garlic and ginger, then throw those, along with the chili, into a mini chopper.) Finely chop the tomato and set aside. Lightly mash the kidney beans and set aside.

3. 3

   Add the garlic-ginger-chili mixture and the cumin seeds to the saucepan after the onions have softened and cook for another 30 seconds. Add the tomato and cook for 1 minute. Add the mashed kidney beans, bay leaf, cardamom pod, cinnamon, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, and lentils to the pan along with 4 cups of water.

4. 4

   Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, crack the lid, and simmer until the kidney beans have fallen apart and the French lentils are very tender, about 40 minutes. Check on the lentils every now and then minutes and add more water if necessary. The final mixture should be slightly thick but not dry; it should have a thick gravy.

5. 5

   While the lentils are cooking, mix together the yogurt and milk in a small bowl and set aside. Finely chop the cilantro and set aside.

6. 6

   When the lentils are done, turn off the heat and stir in the butter, yogurt mixture, and cilantro. If it's too thick, thin it out with a little bit of water. Serve warm with rice or chapati.

No additional tips available.