Masoor Dal Makhni is a rich and creamy Indian lentil dish made from masoor dal (red lentils) cooked in a flavorful, buttery sauce with tomatoes, cream, and aromatic spices. This dish is a twist on the traditional Dal Makhani (which is made with whole black lentils), and the red lentils cook faster while still offering a wonderfully comforting and hearty meal.
Here’s how to make a delicious Masoor Dal Makhni:

Masoor Dal Makhni Recipe | What Is The Recipe Of Masoor Dal Makhni
Ingredients
- 1 cup Masoor Dal (Whole)
- 1 Onion finely chopped
- 1 Tomato
- 2 inch Ginger
- 1 Bay leaf(tej patta)
- 2 Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 Cinnamon Stick
- 2 teaspoon Garam masala powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chilli powder
- 2 teaspoon Coriander Powder
- 2 tablespoons Ghee
- 2 teaspoon Fresh cream
Instructions
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Soak the washed masoor dal in lukewarm water for about 30 minutes.
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Heat ghee in a pressure cooker, add the whole spices, cloves, cinnamon, cumin seeds and let it sputter.
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Add the finely chopped onion and sauté till it turns brown.
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Now gently crush the ginger in a mortar and pestle and add the mix into the pressure pan. Sauté till the raw aroma of ginger and garlic goes away.
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Add the chopped tomatoes and the dry spices coriander powder, red chilli and garam masala and cook until the tomatoes get mushy and the ghee starts to leave the sides.
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To this add the soaked masoor dal, enough water to cook and salt to taste.
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Pressure cook this for 4-5 whistles in low flame. Switch off and let the pressure subside.
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Open the lid gently and add the cream to make it richer.
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Masoor Dal Makhni is best served along with rice or paratha's and green salad.
Tips:
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker dal, cook it longer without adding too much water. For a thinner consistency, add more water as you cook.
- Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, replace the ghee/butter with oil and use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of dairy cream.
- Make It Spicy: Adjust the level of green chilies and red chili powder depending on your spice preference.
- For Extra Flavor: You can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tadka for a unique flavor.
Masoor Dal Makhni is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creaminess and depth of flavor from the tempering and spices make it a delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy it with a warm naan or a side of jeera rice!