Indian•comfort

Quick Dal Makhani

This dal makhani is rich, creamy and loaded with flavor. It’s also lighter and quicker to make than other recipes! Recipe yields 4 servings.

Ingredients

Quantities are shown as originally provided.

2 tablespoons avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and membranes removed, minced
1 ½ teaspoons Frontier Co-op garam masala*
½ teaspoon Frontier Co-op ground cumin
½ teaspoon Frontier Co-op ground coriander
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (preferably the fire-roasted variety), with their juices
1 cup uncooked black lentils (also called beluga lentils)**, picked over for debris
1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained, or 1 ½ cups cooked kidney beans
5 cups water
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon lime juice, plus additional lime wedges for serving
Optional (for additional creaminess): half-and-half, or regular or light coconut milk
Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Suggested accompaniments: cooked brown basmati rice or toasted naan

1
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm the oil until shimmering. Add the onion, garlic, ginger and jalapeño, and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 4 to 6 minutes.
2
Stir in the garam masala, cumin, coriander and salt. Season generously with black pepper. Cook, while stirring, for 1 minute.
3
Add the tomatoes and cook for 1 more minute, while stirring. Add the lentils, kidney beans, water and bay leaf. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the lentils are nice and tender, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.
4
Remove the bay leaf. Transfer 2 cups of the mixture (make sure to get some liquid with the lentils) to a blender. Securely fasten the lid. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute, being careful to avoid the hot steam rising from the blender lid.
5
Transfer the blended mixture back to the pot and stir to combine. Add the lime juice and season to taste with salt (I usually add ½ teaspoon) and pepper. If you would like to temper the flavor and make the mixture even more creamy, stir in a splash of half-and-half or coconut milk, to taste.
6
Serve in bowls, with chopped cilantro and a lime wedge on top. If desired, serve rice or naan on the side. Leftovers keep well, refrigerated, for up to 5 days.