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Vegan Dal Makhani

Vegan Dal Makhani

Recipe Details

Author Melissa Huggins
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes

Summary

A rich, creamy, restaurant-style dal with whole brown lentils and kidney beans simmered in a velvety tomato-coconut sauce, layered with warming spices. Comforting and deeply flavorful, it delivers slow-cooked depth with minimal effort.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When shimmering, add the onion and sauté 6–8 minutes until translucent and browned at the edges.

  2. 2

    Add the garlic, ginger, and tomato paste. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

  3. 3

    Add the kosher salt, cumin, coriander, cayenne, black pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg. Cook 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Stir in the soaked lentils, kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, brown sugar, and coconut milk until well combined.

  5. 5

    Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are soft.

  6. 6

    Turn off the heat. Using an immersion blender, pulse a few times to purée about one-quarter of the mixture, creating a creamy texture while keeping some lentils whole.

  7. 7

    Taste and adjust salt as needed.

  8. 8

    Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot with lemon or lime wedges, rice, or flatbread.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup whole brown lentils (rinsed; soaked 6–8 hours or overnight; drained and rinsed again)
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 6 cloves garlic (finely minced or grated)
  • 2-inch piece fresh ginger root (finely minced or grated)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1.5 teaspoons, plus more to taste kosher salt (halve if using fine sea salt)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (use less for milder heat)
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
  • for serving cilantro (chopped)
  • for serving lemons or limes (cut into wedges)
  • for serving rice or flatbread

Cuisine Tags

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