Slowcooker Dreamy Dal Makhani Your Weeknight Curry Savior
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Slow Cooker Dreamy Dal Makhani Your Weeknight Curry Savior
Ever feel like you're juggling a million things? Me too! That’s why I'm obsessed with this Slow Cooker Dal recipe. Seriously, it's like a hug in a bowl.
This Slow Cooker Dal Makhani will give you a restaurant quality dish with minimal effort.
What's the Deal with Dal Makhani?
This creamy, dreamy Dal Recipe comes from North India. It's traditionally cooked for hours over a low flame, resulting in a rich and buttery flavor.
Forget slaving over a hot stove, this recipe uses the magic of a slow cooker. This Easy Dal Recipe Slow Cooker is great for a beginner.
With prep time of 20 mins and cook time up to 8 hours you get a dish to serve 6 - 8 people.
Why You'll Obsess Over This Dal Recipe
Honestly? This Vegan Slow Cooker recipe is healthy and hearty, packed with protein and fiber. It is perfect for a cosy night in.
You can serve it with rice or naan. What makes this Slow Cooker Dal special is how easy it is to make incredible flavor.
I promise this is one of the best Slow Cooker Recipes Indian you'll find.
Ingredients: The A-Team for Flavour
Right, let’s gather our bits. For the lentils and beans, you’ll need 1 cup of Urad Dal and 1/4 cup of Rajma.
For aromatics, grab 1 tbsp of Ghee or Oil, 1 large chopped Onion, 2 minced cloves of Garlic, 1 inch of grated Ginger, and some Green Chilies.
For the spices you will need cumin, coriander, garam masala, red chili, turmeric and a bay leaf. Rounding out with canned diced tomatoes, heavy cream, water and cilantro.
Let's Chat about Slow Cooker Lentil Recipes
I remember the first time I made this, the aroma wafting through the house was insane! My flatmate was practically drooling at the door! Don't be intimidated.
This Indian Slow Cooker Recipes is actually dead easy to follow. And the best part? Minimal washing up!
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Slow Cooker Dal Game Plan
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This Slow Cooker Dal is proper easy. I'm not even joking. We're talking seriously simple.
Think of it as "set it and forget it" type of cooking. Even easier than ordering a cheeky takeaway. This recipe is for Slow Cooker Dal Makhani , the king of creamy lentils.
So here’s the breakdown.
Main Ingredients
- Urad Dal (Whole Black Lentils): 1 cup (200g) – Look for lentils that are shiny and whole, not broken or dusty. Give them a good rinse, yeah?.
- Rajma (Kidney Beans): ¼ cup (50g) – Same goes for these, make sure they are clean.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large - About 1 cup (150g) when chopped.
- Garlic: 2 cloves - Or about 1 tbsp (6g) when minced.
- Ginger: 1 inch - About 1 tbsp (6g) when grated.
- Green Chilies: 1-2 - Optional if you're not keen on spice.
- Ground Cumin: 1 tsp
- Ground Coriander: 1 tsp
- Garam Masala: ½ tsp
- Red Chili Powder: ¼ tsp - Adjust to your taste, innit?.
- Turmeric Powder: ½ tsp
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz/411g) can - Undrained. Just chuck it all in.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) - Don't skimp on this, it's what makes it creamy.
- Water or Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (960ml) - Use broth for extra flavor.
- Salt: To taste
- Fresh Cilantro: For garnish - Because everything looks better with a bit of green.
Seasoning Notes
The spice mix is key for that authentic Indian flavor. Cumin and coriander provide a base, while garam masala adds warmth.
Red chili powder is your mate for a bit of a kick. Honestly, you can't go wrong. Don't stress too much about getting it perfect.
Smoked paprika will give you this extra flavour.
If you don't have garam masala, a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom will do in a pinch.
This Vegan Slow Cooker version? Ditch the cream for coconut or cashew cream.
Equipment Needed
You really only need a slow cooker . A 6-quart or larger is ideal. You'll also need measuring cups and spoons.
A chopping board and knife are handy for the onion, garlic, and ginger.
No slow cooker? A heavy bottomed pot on a very low heat will work, but you'll need to keep an eye on it.
A good tip is that Indian Slow Cooker Recipes are fantastic!
Mastering the Magic: Slow Cooker Dal Like a Pro
Right, let's get down to business. Slow Cooker Dal might sound fancy, but honestly, it's dead easy. Think of it as your secret weapon for a tasty, fuss free dinner.
I remember one time I tried making it on the hob, and the whole thing stuck to the bottom. Disaster! The Slow Cooker Dal is foolproof and your weeknight meals will be a success.
Prep Like a Boss
- Essential Mise en Place: You know the drill. Chop your 1 large yellow onion . Mince 2 cloves garlic and grate your 1 inch ginger . Rinse those lentils like your life depends on it, we're talking about 1 cup Urad Dal and 1/4 cup Rajma .
- Time Saving Organization: Get all your spices measured out beforehand. Trust me, it saves a heap of time. 1 tsp Ground Cumin , 1 tsp Ground Coriander , 1/2 tsp Garam Masala , 1/4 tsp Red Chili Powder , 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder .
- Safety Reminder: Hot slow cookers are hot. Be careful when handling them, and don't let the kiddos near them unattended.
Easy Dal Recipe Slow Cooker : step-by-step Simplicity
- Sauté (Optional, but Recommended): In a pan, brown your onions in 1 tbsp ghee or oil. About 5 minutes , until golden brown.
- Add Aromatics: Throw in the garlic and ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Everything into the pot! Lentils, beans, sauteed aromatics, spices, 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes , 4 cups of water and salt.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . Lentils should be tender.
- Cream It Up: Stir in 1 cup heavy cream . Remove the bay leaf first, mind you.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
Pro Tips for Legendary Dal
- Browning Boost: Honestly, browning the onions beforehand makes a world of difference. Don't skip it if you can!
- Creamy Slow Cooker Dal :Add the cream at the very end. This gives it that super rich, decadent taste you're after.
- Common Mistake: Forgetting to rinse the lentils and beans properly. It gets rid of any, ahem, undesirable substances that might make you regret your Vegan Slow Cooker attempt later. Enjoy your Indian Slow Cooker Recipes .
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for your Slow Cooker Dal masterpiece. These are like the director's cut, the behind the-scenes stuff that elevates it from "nice" to "Oh my gosh, where's the recipe?!" You know?
Recipe Notes: Taking Your Dal Recipe to the Next Level
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Honestly, presentation is key. Think of it like this: you wouldn't wear your PJs to a wedding. So, don't serve your amazing Slow Cooker Dal Makhani in a boring bowl! Get a nice deep dish.
Swirl in a bit more cream and a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan.
A dollop of yogurt cools everything down nicely.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Job done! Freezing is a bit trickier because of the cream.
It can change the texture. But if you must, freeze in portion sizes. Thaw overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
You may need to add a splash of water to bring it back to its creamy best.
Variations: Get Creative!
Want a Vegan Slow Cooker version? Easy peasy! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream. It adds a lovely sweetness.
Alternatively, use cashew cream or other plant based alternatives. In the mood for something different? Try adding a handful of spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
It adds color and extra nutrients. You could also switch things up seasonally by adding butternut squash.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
This Slow Cooker Lentil Recipes is packed with protein and fiber. It fills you up and keeps you satisfied. Lentils are a great source of iron and other essential nutrients.
Each serving has about 350-400 calories. You'll also get 15-20g of protein, 20-25g of fat, and 8-10g of fiber. It's a delicious way to get your daily dose of goodness.
This Indian Slow Cooker Recipes is a true healthy winner.
So there you have it! A Creamy Slow Cooker Dal guide. Feel free to play around with the spices. Make it your own.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Cooking should be fun, and this Easy Dal Recipe Slow Cooker is as fun as it gets.
Go on, give it a go. You won't regret it! Let your Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes Indian journey begin!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Slow Cooker Dal Makhani vegan? I'm trying to be a bit more "plant based," like everyone else these days!
Absolutely! Making this Slow Cooker Dal vegan is a doddle. Simply swap out the ghee for vegetable oil or another plant based oil. Then, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for that same rich and creamy texture. You'll have a delicious, plant based meal in no time.
Help! I don't have Urad Dal (whole black lentils). What can I substitute in this Slow Cooker Dal recipe?
Not to worry, we've all been there, staring blankly at the supermarket shelf! If you can't find Urad Dal, you can use green lentils as a substitute, though keep in mind it will alter the flavour profile slightly. You might also need to adjust the cooking time, as green lentils tend to cook faster than Urad Dal.
Keep an eye on it!
Can I speed things up by cooking this Dal Makhani on high in the slow cooker? I'm absolutely famished!
You certainly can cook this dal on high! Reduce the cooking time to about 3-4 hours if you're using the high setting. However, cooking on low for a longer period generally yields a creamier, more flavorful result, as it gives the flavours more time to meld together but if your stomach is rumbling, high it is!
How long does Slow Cooker Dal Makhani last in the fridge, and is it freezer friendly? I want to make a big batch for meal prep!
Dal Makhani is brilliant for meal prep! It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. It's also very freezer friendly; portion it out into freezer safe containers and it will last for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving almost as good as when it came out of the slow cooker first time!
Is it essential to sauté the onions before adding them to the slow cooker? I'm all about keeping things as simple as possible.
While it's not essential, sautéing the onions beforehand really unlocks a deeper, sweeter flavour that enhances the overall dish. If you're short on time or just aiming for maximum simplicity, you can skip it.
However, browning the onions creates a foundation of flavour, so if you've got the extra 10 minutes, it's worth the effort.
Slowcooker Dreamy Dal Makhani Your Weeknight Cur
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 8-10g |