How to make a Spicy Dal Makhani recipe you will love! 1. Wash and soak black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajam) for 6-8 hours. Then, cook for an hour. Blend beans and add tomatoes and paste. Cook with the rest of the ingredients and add cream at the end.
You will love this recipe that is so full with flavors. You can simply serve it over rice or with naan bread. The best part is that you can adjust the spice level to your liking. Let me know in the comments how you liked this Indian dish.
This site may contain affiliate links to products. I may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) for purchases made through these links. This helps me to pay for my website hosting and other blog-related expenses. Thank you for supporting this blog.
Spicy Dal Makhani Recipe:
You will love this classic Indian dish. This dish is made with a combination of lentils and kidney beans that are slow-cooked with rich and aromatic spices to create a creamy and flavorful meal. This is a spicy dish; however, you can spice it to your liking.
You don’t have to be an experienced chef to make this dish. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you will have a delicious and authentic Dal Makhani dinner in no-time. Plus, it’s a healthy and protein-packed meal that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences.
So why not give this beloved dish a try? Impress your taste buds and your dinner guests with this satisfying and flavorful Indian classic.

Spicy Dal Makhani - Indian Dish
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Chopping board and knife
- Blender or food processor
- Cooking spoon or ladle
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Grater
Ingredients
- 1 cup black lentils (whole urad dal)
- 1/4 cup kidney beans (rajma)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 3-4 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 cup fresh cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (optional)
Instructions
Soak Lentils and Beans
- Wash the black lentils and kidney beans together. Soak them in enough water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.
Cook Lentils and Beans
- After soaking, rinse the lentils and beans.
- In a large pot, add the lentils, kidney beans, and enough water to cover them.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the lentils and beans are soft and fully cooked. This may take about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Add more water if needed during cooking.
Prepare Tomato Puree and Aromatics
- In a separate pan, heat butter. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies.
- Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.
- Add tomato puree and tomato paste. Cook the mixture until the oil starts to separate from the masala.
Add Spices
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.
Combine and Simmer
- Add the cooked lentils and beans to the masala. Mix well and let it simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Garam Masala and Fresh Cream
- Once the dal is well-cooked, add garam masala and fresh cream. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with naan, roti, or steamed rice.
Notes
Where does Dal Makhani come from?
India is a land of diverse cultures and cuisines. Talking about the delicious and aromatic dishes, I cannot forget about Dal Makani. The dish is immensely popular in India and also gaining popularity in other countries. The Dal Makani that we relish today has an interesting history behind its origin.
The dish originally comes from the northern region of India, particularly from the state of Punjab. Punjab is known for its rich and flavorful cuisine and Dal Makani is no exception. The dish was commonly cooked in Punjabi households on special occasions and family gatherings. However, with time, the dish’s popularity has grown exponentially, and now it is one of the most preferred dishes in Indian restaurants worldwide.
The recipe of Dal Makani has been passed down from generation to generation. Traditionally, the dish is made with black lentils, kidney beans, cream, and spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The slow-cooking method imparts a unique aroma and flavor to the dish, making it a favorite among food lovers.
I hope you enjoyed my spicy dal makhani recipe. Let me know in the comments below how you liked the recipe.
Let's Stay In Touch...
Follow me on social media! I regularly share exciting content and exclusive products. My platform is the perfect place to stay connected with me and interact with other supporters and access behind-the-scenes content.
Whether you prefer Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, I have an active presence on all major social media platforms. By following me, you’ll be the first to know about new content and exciting offers that I have in store. So, what are you waiting for? Join my community today and stay in the loop! @theforeignmom.