The Queen of Indian Lentils: Dal Maharani Recipe

Name: The Queen of Indian Lentils: Dal Maharani
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cups Red Kidney Beans; 1 cup Black Whole Lentil (urad); 1 Onion, Chopped; 1 stick Cinnamon; 2 Black Cardamom Pods; 6 cups Water; 4 Tablespoons Clarified Butter, Divided; 6 Dry Red Chilis; 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste; 4 cloves Garlic, Chopped, Divided; 4 cups Milk; 2 teaspoons Salt, Or To Taste; 1 teaspoon Indian Red Chili Powder; 1/2 sticks Unsalted Butter, To Serve

Servings: persons

1/2 cups Red Kidney Beans
1 cup Black Whole Lentil (urad)
1 Onion, Chopped
1 stick Cinnamon
2 Black Cardamom Pods
6 cups Water
4 Tablespoons Clarified Butter, Divided
6 Dry Red Chilis
2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
4 cloves Garlic, Chopped, Divided
4 cups Milk
2 teaspoons Salt, Or To Taste
1 teaspoon Indian Red Chili Powder
1/2 sticks Unsalted Butter, To Serve

1
Soak the beans and lentils overnight in plenty of water.
2
Drain next day.
3
Add beans, lentils, onion, cinnamon, and black cardamom to a pressure cooker with the water.
4
Once the whistle blows, cook on low heat for another 10 minutes.
5
Once the steam has evaporated, open the pressure cooker and mash the dal into a creamy texture.
6
In a heavy-set bowl, warm 2 tablespoons of clarified butter.
7
Add dry red chili, tomato paste, and 2 cloves garlic, chopped.
8
Saute for a few minutes.
9
Add mashed dal and 1 cup of milk to the tomato mixture.
10
Bring to boil and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
11
Repeat the process of adding milk and cooking for 30 minutes each time on low heat, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours total.
12
Check for salt.
13
To serve, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of clarified butter and saute the remaining 2 cloves garlic (chopped) till lightly colored.
14
Add red chili powder and quickly stir into the dal.
15
Add a generous dollop of unsalted butter and serve hot.

465

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1/2 cups Red Kidney Beans, 1 cup Black Whole Lentil (urad), 1 Onion, Chopped, 1 stick Cinnamon, and more.

Yes, The Queen of Indian Lentils: Dal Maharani falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

The Queen of Indian Lentils: Dal Maharani

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions