Dal Makhani (Lentils in Butter)

My husband's good friend, S, makes the most delicious version of dal makhani I have ever eaten and mind you, I have eaten a fair share. I have begged and pleaded for a recipe but like all expert cooks, he just goes by gut. His recipe? He just adds every spice he has. Well considering that we don't have the same spice box, here is my version which I have tried to make as similar to his as possible. My husbands verdict - oh this is great, creamy but not mushy, don't change anything ever. That is good enough for me. So here is dal makhani my way...

Ingredients:

To boil lentils with:

1 cup black lentils

1/2 cup kidney beans

1/2 inch ginger root, cut in 2 pieces

2 green chilies, slit through the middle

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Little salt

To make the daal:

2 1/2 tablespoons butter

1 medium onions chopped fine

1 large tomato chopped fine or 1/2 cup tomato puree

2 green chilies choppped very fine

1 inch knob of ginger grated very fine

Pinch hing (asafoetida)

1/4 teaspoon raee (mustard seeds)

3/4 teaspoon jeera (cumin seeds)

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon garam masala

1 tablespoon cream

Salt

Wash the lentils and beans in cold water. Then add the other ingredients listed and 3 cups of water. Pressure cook for 2 whistles and allow the cooker to cool naturally. When cooled, remove the ginger and chili from the lentils and beans.

In a large pot, heat the 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. After it melts add the hing, raee and jeera. When they splutter, add the onions, chilies and ginger. Saute till onions are translucent. Add the tomatoes and spices and cook for a few minutes. Add the cooked lentils and beans along with the water in which they were cooked. You may need to add additional water to reach the desired consistency. Cook on low heat for about 20-30 minutes for maximum flavor. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and cream. Mix well and serve hot with roti's and sabzi, or rice.

PS: There is a giveaway going on at my site - you have a few days more to participate. Please leave a comment!

And SS sent me a lovely award. Thanks so much! Its posted under Awards and Winnings page.