Dal makhani

India · South Asia

Short description: Dal makhani is a slow-simmered black lentil and kidney bean dish enriched with butter and cream.
Ingredients: Whole black gram and kidney beans simmered with butter, cream, tomato, aromatics, chile, and warm spices.
Cultural note: Its restaurant fame comes from long cooking: the lentils soften into a deep, smoky, creamy bowl rather than a quick everyday dal.
Common misconception: It is not just any lentil curry; whole black gram, kidney beans, butter, and slow cooking define it.

image credit