Best Easy Urad Dal Makhani Recipe

Urad Dal Makhani is a protein-rich Indian lentil curry that's both nutritious and deeply satisfying. This healthy vegetarian dish is ideal for meal prep, freezer-friendly, and supports a calorie deficit lifestyle.

Cook 85 min Difficulty NORMAL 230 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • whole urad dal (black gram lentils) 1 cup
  • kidney beans 1 oz
  • water 4 cups
  • onion 1 medium
  • tomato 2 medium
  • unsalted butter 2 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • ginger-garlic paste 1 tbsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • ground coriander 1 tsp
  • garam masala 1 tsp
  • turmeric powder 0.5 tsp
  • chili powder 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 32 g 56%
Protein 12 g 21%
Fat 6 g 23%
Serving size 270g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse the whole urad dal and kidney beans in water, then soak them together overnight or at least 8 hours for best creaminess.

  2. 2

    Drain soaked lentils and beans. Add to a large pot with 4 cups water, bring to a boil on medium-high heat, then lower to simmer and cook for 40-45 minutes, or until very soft.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-6 minutes until translucent but not browned.

  4. 4

    Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic. Stir in ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, cooking for 30 seconds.

  5. 5

    Add chopped tomatoes and cook for 6-8 minutes on medium-low heat until tomatoes break down and oil begins to separate.

  6. 6

    Combine cooked lentils and beans (with cooking liquid) into the tomato-onion masala mixture. Stir well and simmer uncovered on low heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help mash lentils for a creamy texture.

  7. 7

    Sprinkle garam masala and salt near the end. Adjust consistency with a splash of water if needed. Let rest for 10 minutes with lid on before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What are the core ingredients that give Urad Dal Makhani its distinct flavor?
The rich, creamy texture and deep flavor of Urad Dal Makhani come from whole urad dal (black gram lentils), modest kidney beans, and a medley of Indian spices, especially garam masala and ground cumin. The use of butter, along with slow simmering with tomato and onion, gives classic makhani creaminess.
Q. How do I avoid undercooked or overcooked lentils when making this recipe?
To ensure creamy lentils, soak the dal and beans overnight, and simmer them gently until very soft—typically about 40-45 minutes. Continue simmering with the masala mixture on low, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching. This results in melt-in-your-mouth lentils and avoids a grainy or mushy texture.
Q. What is the calorie and protein content per serving?
Each serving of Urad Dal Makhani (270 g) contains about 230 kcal and 12 grams of protein. The protein makes up 21% of the recipe’s total calories, making it a nutrient-rich dish suitable for vegetarian meal planning.
Q. What is the best way to layer and control spices while cooking this curry?
Add ground spices after sautéing onions and ginger-garlic paste, allowing the flavors to bloom in oil for at least 30 seconds. Always finish with garam masala near the end to preserve its aromatic qualities. Control heat to avoid burning spices, using medium-low for tomatoes and low for the final simmer.
Q. Is this Urad Dal Makhani suitable for a diabetic-friendly or calorie-conscious diet?
Yes, this recipe has 32g carbs and 230 kcal per serving with a balanced protein ratio (12g protein per serving). The carb content is moderate and there's minimal use of added fat, supporting both calorie deficit and diabetic-friendly meal plans.
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