Jain Style Dal Makhani Recipe (North Indian Cuisine)
Dal Makhani is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish from the North Indian cuisine, known for its comforting nature and high-protein content. In this Jain-style version, we eliminate the use of onions, garlic, and other non-Jain ingredients, ensuring it’s perfect for those following Jain dietary practices. Prepared with black urad dal (black lentils) and rajma (kidney beans), this dish is slow-cooked to perfection and garnished with cream and fresh ginger, making it a perfect dish for lunch or dinner. Here’s how you can make this wholesome, protein-packed dal.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Black Urad Dal (Whole) | 3/4 cup |
| Rajma (Kidney Beans) | 1/4 cup |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 tsp |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 pieces |
| Green Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 2 pods |
| Tomatoes (Pureed) | 2 medium |
| Green Chili | 1, finely chopped |
| Red Chili Powder | 1 tsp |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 tsp |
| Dry Ginger Powder (Saunth) | 2 tsp |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 2 tbsp |
| Low-Fat Milk | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh Ginger (Thinly Sliced) | 1 inch |
| Fresh Cream | 2 tbsp |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: North Indian
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Soak the Lentils and Beans:
Begin by soaking the black urad dal and rajma in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This step softens the legumes, making them cook faster and more evenly. -
-
Cook the Dal and Rajma:
Drain the soaked dal and rajma. In a pressure cooker, add 2 to 3 cups of water along with the soaked dal and rajma. Pressure cook for about 3 whistles on medium heat. After 3 whistles, reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 10 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside. Slightly mash the cooked dal and rajma mixture with a spoon to achieve a smoother consistency. -
Prepare Tomato Puree:
In a blender, add the tomatoes and blend them into a smooth puree. Set this aside for later use. -
Cook the Tempering (Tadka):
In a deep pan or kadhai, heat ghee on medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and green cardamom. Let them sizzle for about 20 seconds to release their flavors. Next, add cumin seeds and let them splutter for another 10 seconds. -
Add the Tomato Puree and Spices:
Now, add the tomato puree and finely chopped green chili to the pan. Stir well and cook for about 2 minutes. Afterward, add the red chili powder, garam masala powder, and dry ginger powder. Cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the oil to separate from the spices and the tomatoes to cook down. -
Combine the Cooked Dal and Rajma:
Add the cooked dal and rajma mixture to the pan with the prepared tomato-spice base. Stir well and add salt to taste. If needed, add some water to adjust the consistency of the dal. Let it simmer on low heat for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together. -
Add Milk and Simmer:
Pour in the low-fat milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir well and let the dal simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This step adds creaminess and richness to the dal without the need for excessive cream. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once done, garnish the dal with freshly sliced ginger and a drizzle of fresh cream. Serve the Jain-style dal makhani hot with masala-roasted potatoes (aloo) and freshly made chapatis (flatbread) or steamed rice.
Tips and Variations:
- For a creamier texture: If you prefer a richer dal, you can add more cream or opt for full-fat milk.
- For more flavor: You can roast the spices before adding the tomatoes for a deeper flavor profile.
- Adjusting spice levels: Feel free to increase or decrease the amount of green chili and red chili powder to suit your taste preferences.
This Jain Style Dal Makhani is a nourishing and hearty meal, perfect for both daily meals and special occasions. With its high protein content from the dal and rajma, it makes for a fulfilling lunch or dinner, best served with traditional accompaniments like roti, naan, or steamed rice. Enjoy this comforting dish with your loved ones!
