Dal Makhani | Creamy Lentils| Instant Pot Dal Makhani

Dal makhani is a fairly time consuming recipe. But with the help of instant pot this dish comes together in no time. 

You even can skip the soaking part and cook the dry beans directly. Trust me you will achieve the same creamy texture that you get with the soaked dal. 

The instant pot is a boon to every busy wo(men). Check out the notes in the end for the stove top method. 

Video Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1 cup whole urad dal 

1/4 cup kidney bean

2 cups water

TEMPERING 

2 tbsp butter

1 tsp oil

1 tsp cumin seeds

3 cloves 

3 green cardamom

1 black cardamom

1 inch cinnamon

2 bay leaf

1 large onion finely chopped

1 or 2 green chilies chopped

1 inch ginger

5 fat cloves garlic 

2 large tomatoes pureed

Salt to taste

2 tsp red chilli powder 

2 tsp coriander powder 

1 tsp turmeric powder

3 pinches nutmeg powder 

1/2 cup + 1 tbsp cream

1 teaspoon crushed kasuri methi

1/2 tsp garam masala

1 tbsp butter

INSTRUCTIONS

• Wash and soak both whole urad dal and kidney beans for 30 mins to 1 hour, drain and set aside.

• Blend the tomatoes, ginger and garlic to a puree and set aside. 

• Switch on the instant pot in saute mode and once hot add 2 tbsp butter.

• When melted add the whole garam masala, saute till the spices become aromatic.

• Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onions and saute the onions until they become light golden.

• Now add the chopped green chillies and stir for a minute.

• Then add the tomato, ginger garlic puree and stir. 

• Add the red chilli and coriander powder along with turmeric powder and 2 to 3 pinches of nutmeg powder. 

• Mix well and saute for a minute, then add the urad dal and kidney beans along with water.

• Close lid, cancel saute mode and start to pressure cook for 40 mins, let the pressure release naturally.

• Open the lid and check if the dal is cooked by smashing a dal with your fingers. Now mash the cooked lentil with the back of a spoon little. 

• Add the cream, butter, kasuri methi and garam masala and give it a mix.

• Serve hot with roti or pulao.

NOTE

• If using instant pot it isn't necessary to soak the lentil. If using soaked lentil reduce the cook time to 30 mins.

• This recipe can be made in stovetop pressure cooker too. If using stovetop pressure cooker add 3 cups water and cook for 15 whistles.

• Mash the dal after its cooked. This will help to achieve a creamy texture.

• Cream can be avoided but its highly recommended to get a better quality.