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    Home » Recipe » Cooking Style » Instant Pot » Dal Makhani (no cream, gluten-free)

    Posted on: Apr 1, 2020 · Modified: Jan 30, 2023 by honeywhatscooking · 27 Comments

    Dal Makhani (no cream, gluten-free)

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    Dal Makhani recipe with step by step photos. Dal Makhani is a classic Punjabi dal that's prepared with lots of butter and cream. My version is mouthwatering and made with milk instead of cream.
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    The Best Dal Makhani

    To date, the best Dal Makhani I had was at my wedding which was catered by Manohar Delhi Palace in Southern California. While most brides may not eat much on their wedding day, I most certainly did. How do you resist the best wedding caterer's food in California? Manohar's Dal Makhani was thick, creamy, buttery, and so delicious, and one that I'll never be able to replicate since the dal is cooked for hours and hours. I don't have that kind of time or patience.

    The second best Dal Makhani I had was at my sister's home. My eldest sister, Deepa, is a phenomenal cook. She can literally take the most basic ingredients and whip it up into something gourmet with the least amount of fat and calories. Her ability to come up with new concoctions is a gift. My sister makes Dal Makhani without cream and uses milk instead. She also told me to use lots of ginger and garlic, and use just a few onions. In my version, I didn't exactly skimp on butter because you need that butter flavor in here else it won't taste like Dal Makhani.
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    What is Dal Makhani?

    Dal Makhani literally translates to lentils cooked in a butter sauce so obviously it's rich, creamy, and flavorful. This is the queen of all dals and a classic Punjabi dish that's slow-cooked for about an hour or longer. Traditionally, Punjabi Dal Makhani is black lentils cooked with lots of butter and cream, however I skipped the cream and instead used whole milk. My version is a healthier Dal Makhani, but it does still contain a good amount of butter, so perhaps a Lightened Up Dal Makhani if you will.
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    Dal Makhani is:

    Rich
    Creamy
    Delicious
    Slow-Cooked
    Comforting
    Made with NO CREAM
    Gluten-Free
    Made with Love
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    How to make Dal Makhani recipe step by step?

    Soak the lentils & Pressure Cook in the Instant Pot

    1. Soak lentils overnight (or 8 hours) in 5 cups of water. The next day - rinse the lentils well until the water runs clear.
    2. To pressure cook the lentils in an Instant Pot - add three and a half cups of water, a bay leaf, green cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon stick, and salt. Stir.
    3. High Pressure - 30 minutes. Natural Release 10 minutes or more.
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    Prep

    1. Chop the ginger, garlic, green chilies, and red onion. Set aside.
    2. Puree fresh tomatoes and green chilies.
    3. This is what you should have. Set aside.

    4. Lentils should be done. Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
    5. Mash the lentils about 4-5 times. This will help ensure the dal is creamy.
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    Make the Masala

    1. Heat up a dutch enameled cast iron on medium heat, once hot, add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil.
    2. Add cumin seeds, let it sizzle for about 30 seconds.
    3. Add the ginger and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds.
    4. Now add the red onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent.

    5. Add the tomato puree.
    6. Stir occasionally and cook down the tomatoes for about 10 minutes on low-medium heat to medium heat.
    7. Once a paste-like consistency has formed, add coriander powder and salt. Cook for 10 seconds or so.
    8. Add a ¼ cup of water to prevent the spices from burning. This will also help cook down the tomatoes even further. Cook for about 1-2 minutes smashing down the tomatoes.
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    Slow-Cook Dal Makhani

    1. Add all the prepared dal from the Instant Pot.
    2. Stir well incorporating all the ingredients. Reduce heat to low-medium.

    3. Add a tablespoon of butter. Stir.
    4. Add milk.
    5. Stir well and on occasion to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    6. After 10 minutes, add 1 cup of water. Keep stirring occasionally for the next 20 minutes to prevent any sticking.
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    7. After 20 minutes, add ½ cup of water. Cook for another 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
    8. In the meantime, chop fresh cilantro.

    Tadka/Tempering & Garnish

    1. We have now cooked the dal makhani for 45 minutes. The consistency should be thick and creamy, but fluid. Add fresh cilantro and dried Kasoori methi leaves. Reduce heat all the way to low while you prepare the tadka.
    2. Prepare the tadka by heating a little pot with one tablespoon of butter.
    3. Add red Kashmiri chili powder (or paprika). Do not use Indian red chili powder else it'll be super spicy (unless you want to).
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    4. Pour the tadka/tempering over the dal. This gives your dal richness and a gorgeous color.
    5. Stir.
    6. Finish with garam masala.
    7. Here is the consistency you want.
    Punjabi Dal Makhani No Cream

    8. Top dal with another tablespoon of butter for that "makhani" flavor. Serve with white basmati rice or naan. Enjoy!

    More Lentils & Khichdi Recipes

    • Plain Khichdi - classic recipe
    • Green Moong Dal (Sabut Moong Dal)
    • Instant Pot Toor Dal
    • Spinach Dal Fry
    • Tomato Dal / Tomato Pappu - Andhra Style
    • Papad wali Dal


    Dal Makhani

    Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
    Dal Makhani is a classic Punjabi dal that's prepared with lots of butter and cream. My version is mouthwatering and made with milk instead of cream
    5 from 21 votes
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 5 servings

    Ingredients
      

    to pressure cook lentils in the Instant Pot

    • 1 cup kali whole urad dal, whole black gram
    • ⅓ cup rajma, kidney beans
    • 3 ½ cups water
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 2 cloves
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 2 green cardamoms
    • ½ inch stick cinnamon

    to slow cook lentils on the stove

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
    • 2 tablespoon unsalted grass-fed butter, divided, I like KerryGold
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
    • 2 inch piece ginger, chopped
    • 8 cloves garlic, chopped
    • ⅓ cup red onions, finely chopped
    • 1 ½ cups fresh tomatoes, pureed
    • 2-3 green chilies
    • 1 ½ teaspoon coriander powder
    • salt to taste
    • ½ cup milk
    • 1 ½ cups water, divided
    • 1 teaspoon kasoori methi
    • 3 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
    • ½ teaspoon garam masala

    for the tadka/tempering & garnish

    • 1 tablespoon unsalted grass-fed butter, for tadka/tempering
    • 1 teaspoon red Kashmiri powder
    • 3 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted grass-fed butter, as garnish

    Instructions
     

    Soak the lentils & Pressure Cook in the Instant Pot

    • Soak lentils overnight (or 8 hours) in 5 cups of water. The next day - rinse the lentils well until the water runs clear.
    • To pressure cook the lentils in an Instant Pot - add three and a half cups of water, a bay leaf, green cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon stick, and salt. Stir.
    • High Pressure - 30 minutes. Natural Release 10 minutes or more.

    Prep

    • Chop the ginger, garlic, green chilies, and red onion. Set aside.
    • Puree fresh tomatoes and green chilies.
    • This is what you should have. Set aside.
    • Lentils should be done. Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
    • Mash the lentils about 4-5 times. This will help ensure the dal is creamy.

    Make the Masala

    • Heat up a dutch enameled cast iron on medium heat, once hot, add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil.
    • Add cumin seeds, let it sizzle for about 30 seconds.
    • Add the ginger and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds.
    • Now add the red onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until translucent.
    • Add the tomato puree.
    • Stir occasionally and cook down the tomatoes for about 10 minutes on low-medium heat to medium heat.
    • Once a paste-like consistency has formed, add coriander powder and salt. Cook for 10 seconds or so.
    • Add a ¼ cup of water to prevent the spices from burning. This will also help cook down the tomatoes even further. Cook for about 1-2 minutes smashing the tomatoes.

    Slow Cook Dal Makhani

    • Add all the prepared dal from the Instant Pot.
    • Stir well incorporating all the ingredients. Reduce heat to low-medium.
    • Add a tablespoon of butter. Stir.
    • Add milk.
    • Stir well and on occasion to prevent any sticking to the bottom of the pan.
    • After 10 minutes, add 1 cup of water. Keep stirring occasionally for the next 20 minutes to prevent any sticking.
    • After 20 minutes, add ½ cup of water. Cook for another 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
    • In the meantime, chop fresh cilantro.

    Tadka/Tempering & Garnish

    • We have now cooked the dal makhani for 45 minutes. The consistency should be thick and creamy, but fluid. Add fresh cilantro and dried Kasoori methi leaves. Reduce heat all the way to low while you prepare the tadka.
    • Prepare the tadka by heating a little pot with one tablespoon of butter.
    • Add red Kashmiri chili powder (or paprika). Do not use Indian red chili powder else it'll be super spicy (unless you want to).
    • Pour the tadka/tempering over the dal. This gives your dal richness and a gorgeous color.
    • Stir.
    • Finish with garam masala.
    • Here is the consistency you want.
    • Top dal with another tablespoon of butter for that "makhani" flavor. Serve with white basmati rice or naan. Enjoy!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 307kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 13gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 557mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 14gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 923IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 4mg
    Keyword Dal Makhani, Lentils
    Tried this recipe?Mention @honeywhatscooking or tag #honeywhatscooking

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Keyuri says

      April 03, 2020 at 3:15 pm

      5 stars
      I love this blog, she makes it all so simplified for the followers♥️ Her small small tips are very useful ?
      This recipe is on point, just follow the instructions and you will have the most delicious and buttery dal makhni?♥️

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        April 05, 2020 at 5:35 pm

        Thanks so much Keyuri. I really appreciate your comment. You're so sweet. So glad you enjoyed the recipe without cream! Yay. 🙂

        Reply
    2. Dimple says

      April 11, 2020 at 6:45 pm

      5 stars
      I made your daal makhni and it turned out so good! The recipe is very easy to follow and I personally l love the step by step recipe with picture, that helps a lot!

      Reply
    3. MB says

      April 14, 2020 at 10:06 pm

      5 stars
      As per usual, your instructions were clear and easy to follow!! This was delicious! Mashing some of the dal gives you a great consistency. Takes a little while to cook, so start a little early and don’t skip the cooking down time

      10/10 !

      Reply
    4. Appy says

      April 16, 2020 at 12:07 am

      5 stars
      A delicious recipe. Loved it.

      Reply
    5. Moksha says

      April 18, 2020 at 1:18 am

      5 stars
      I love love her page! Her recipes are always so simple and healthy! Made this recipe for the whole family and they all loved it!

      10/10

      Reply
    6. Mok says

      April 18, 2020 at 1:20 am

      5 stars
      I love love her page! Her recipes are always so simple and healthy! Made this recipe for the whole family and they all loved it!

      10/10

      Reply
    7. Shafaq says

      April 21, 2020 at 3:33 am

      5 stars
      Made this recipe today and it was AMAZINGGG!!! My husband even mentioned it was like restaurant style Dal Makhani! So delicious!! Love honeywhatscooking – your recipes are on point so flavorful!!

      Reply
    8. Sonia says

      April 24, 2020 at 12:10 am

      Hi! Would love to try this recipe but don’t have pressure cooker, what do you recommend for cooking the Lentils without pressure cooker?

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        April 24, 2020 at 1:27 am

        Hi Sonia. I've never actually cooked lentils without a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. My recommendation is to soak the lentils as stated in this recipe. Once done. Add ample amount of water and cook the lentils (with the other Instant POt ingredients mentioned ) over the stove for about an hour - maybe a little more. You'll know when it's done when the lentils can be easily smashed between your fingers - especially the kidney beans. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    9. Bijal Patel says

      April 27, 2020 at 1:30 pm

      5 stars
      Great recipe. Definitely tasted like it was from an Indian restaurant. This recipe is worth all the time to make.

      Reply
    10. Nima says

      May 07, 2020 at 11:56 am

      5 stars
      I love your blog! I made your daal makhni and it turned out so so good! My family said it was better then a restaurant! The recipe is very easy to follow and I personally l love the step by step recipe with picture, that helps a lot!

      Reply
    11. Sana says

      June 01, 2020 at 3:50 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe ! I have made some it twice already!

      Reply
    12. Suja says

      June 02, 2020 at 8:15 am

      Any substitute for the milk to make it vegan? How much Garam masala at the end?

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        June 05, 2020 at 4:01 am

        1/2 tsp garam masala. if you want to skip the milk, please try canned coconut milk (chaokoh) or super thick cashew milk ( I like elmhurst brand ).

        Reply
    13. Laurie B says

      October 09, 2020 at 12:21 pm

      I would love a version of this without the instant pot part. I don't have one, and have never cooked lentils.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        October 09, 2020 at 11:35 pm

        Hmmm.. I would cook the lentils stovetop with the same amount of water the instant pot calls for and boil on medium heat. It will probably take 45 mins is my guess. Else, please google boiling black lentils and kidney beans stovetop. Sorry I can't be of much help.

        Reply
      • Shima says

        November 13, 2020 at 11:51 pm

        Can we use canned tomatoes or tomato sauce

        Reply
    14. Mona says

      November 12, 2020 at 8:52 pm

      5 stars
      I’ve made this twice and both times it came out consistently like restaurant quality (honestly better). My only recommendation is to start cooking down the tomatoes while pressuring cooking the dal - would have saved me some time but delicious regardless.
      Thanks Nisha!

      Reply
    15. Nargis Khan says

      December 07, 2020 at 12:32 am

      5 stars
      This is by far the best makhani I have tasted. Bookmarked this one, made it over twenty times by now. Really nice, thank you!

      Reply
    16. Neha says

      April 12, 2021 at 10:38 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you Nisha! This recipe was easy to follow, creamy and oh so delish!!❤️

      Reply
    17. Diksha says

      June 26, 2021 at 5:13 pm

      5 stars
      Made your dal makhani receipe, it turned out super delicious. Just replaced the milk with cream since i had it in fridge. And tempering is like feather on the cap. Never skip it.
      My husband who is amazing at cooking n a super critic, he said its the best dal makhani he has ever had ❤️☺️
      Thank you for all your efforts !!

      Reply
    18. Divya says

      August 19, 2021 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      This is the most delicious,quick and easy dal makhni recipe,my husband loves it.

      Reply
    19. rubby says

      September 08, 2021 at 2:38 am

      5 stars
      Thanks For Sharing this Amazing Recipe. My Family Loved It. I will be sharing this Recipe with my Friends. Hope They will like it.

      Reply
      • honeywhatscooking says

        September 08, 2021 at 3:07 am

        Thank you so much for your comment Rubby. Glad you all liked it. 🙂

        Reply
    20. Deeksha says

      November 13, 2021 at 12:11 am

      This Dal Makhani looks amazing. Can't wait to try this delicious recipe. Thank you so much for the recipe.

      Reply
    21. Anu says

      January 27, 2022 at 5:09 am

      5 stars
      Omg this recipe was AMAZING! Ive always liked Dal Makhani but never tried it at home as i thought it was a long drawn out process. But this recipe was easy to follow. And it was healthy! I even cut the butter down to half and used low fat milk and still had a very decadent, flavorful dal that my entire family loved! 🙂

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Nisha... a foodie who is passionate about healthy-ish living and mindful eating. You'll find a little bit of everything here. I use mostly organic real ingredients and incorporate seasonal produce in my cooking. I believe food is medicine. Come join me on this soul-searching journey as I share my love for good food, and I hope somewhere along the line, I inspire you to eat better.

    Learn more about me →


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