Punjabi Dal Makhni

Aaj Pakao Dal Makhni – 1 Packet

1 tablespoon ghee
3 tablespoons butter divided
1 medium white onion, finely grated
2 teaspoons ginger garlic paste use fresh paste if possible
1/2 cup tomato puree use store bought tomato puree
1/2 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
1.5 cups water 12 oz, as needed
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup cream 60 ml
More butter (salted) for serving
  • Take 1 packet of Aaj Pakao Dal Makhni
  • Mash some of the dal and rajma using a potato masher. Then turn on the heat to lowest heat and let the dal simmer while you make the masala
  • To make the masala, in a large pot/pan, heat 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon ghee on medium heat
  • Once the butter melts and is hot, add the finely grated onion.
  • Cook the onion for around 6 to 7 minutes or until it turns light golden brown. Keep stirring it continuously so that it doesn’t burn and keep heat on medium
  • Add the ginger garlic paste and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the raw smell goes away
  • Add the tomato puree and mix. Cook for 2 minutes or until the puree mixes well with masala and oil starts oozing out from the sides
  • Add in the boiled dal (which had been simmering for around 10 to 15 mins you were making the masala) and mix
  • Add garam masala, kashmiri red chili powder and salt. Mix to combine
  • Add 1/2 cup water, stir and set heat to low. Let it simmer on low heat uncovered for around 45 minutes
  • Stir often (every 10 minutes or so) else dal will stick to the bottom of the pot. You will also need to add water. I added total of 1.5 cups water as the dal was simmering
  • Add sugar and mix after the dal has simmered for 45 minutes
  • Also add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1/4 cup cream. Mix well
  • Simmer for 10 more minutes on low heat after adding the cream. Dal will become really creamy by now. You may serve the dal at this point or do the additional step of giving it a smokey flavor
  • Garnish dal makhani with more cream and serve with a pat of amul butter. Enjoy!

OR
To save extra time –

  • Add Aaj Pakao All Purpose Curry Base to the pot
  • Add Complementary Garam Masala (from Aaj Pakao Dal Makhni Mix packet) to the curry
  • Once it boils, add Aaj Pakao Dal Makhni Mix and give it a good mix
  • Let it simmer on medium flame for 5-7 minutes
  • And hot serve your instant Dal Makhni!