Daal Makhani (Coconut Lentil Curry) | Vegan, Gluten Free

Rich. Spicy. Exquisite. A mouthwatering and aromatic Indian dish, Daal Makhani is a thick, hearty lentil curry, made with brown lentils and red kidney beans in a creamy coconut and tomato sauce and seasoned with traditional Indian spices. This meatless meal is a guaranteed winner! High protein, vegan and gluten free.

When we’re at an Indian restaurant (which seldom happens), this lentil curry, daal makhani, is one dish I excitedly hunt for on the menu. I’m in love with it’s authentic rich taste and makes me feel like a proper Punjabi when I eat it.

Feasting on this took me back to the time when I’d had the best daal makhani EVER. It was at Niagara falls, when we were vacationing in July. To say it was incredible, would be an understatement.

Since then, I’ve wanted to create my version. After testing it out heaps of times with the family, I’m so excited to share it with you all.

What is Daal Makhani Made with?

Daal Makhani is a brown lentil curry, with red kidney beans. Traditionally, it’s made with butter and cream which is what makes is super rich and comforting.

To make this lentil curry less heavy and something we can enjoy more often, I swapped the dairy cream for coconut cream and omitted the butter. It’s still just as rich and intensely flavored with the most delicious and aromatic Indian spices.

The Key Spices for Making Lentil Curry

• Cumin seeds
• Coriander seeds
• Cinnamon
• Green and black cardamom
• Ginger
• Turmeric powder
• Curry powder

What is curry powder?

When we talk about curry powder, we’re actually talking about a blend of spices from East Indian cuisine. Depending on the brand, the blend can vary, but usually consists of turmeric, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, chillies, black pepper, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, mustard seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, peppercorns and bay leaves.

What a line-up – I know. As it turns out, such a powerful concoction has shown to offer some health benefits; such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties.

How to make Daal Makhani – Step by Step

1. Make sure to soak the lentils overnight to reduce cooking time (Image 1)
2. Start the cooking process by frying the whole spices in coconut oil to release their flavor (Image 2).
3. You want to fry the onion with the garlic and ginger until golden brown (Image 3)
4. Next, add the powder spices and cook for a minute on low heat (Image 4)
5. Now begin to create the sauce, by adding coconut cream and tomato sauce, salt and water (Image 5)
6. Bring to boil, before adding the lentils and kidney beans (Images 6-7)
7. Cover and simmer on low for 30-40 minutes until done (Image 8)

Top Tips For Making Daal Makhani

• Don’t skip on the whole spices. Each type adds it’s unique flavor, which gives this recipe the typical daal makhani taste.
• Keep the heat on low/medium and keep a close eye to not burn the whole spices – otherwise your curry will have a bitter taste.
• If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you could certainly tone it down. Leave out the green chilli and keep it on the side
• Use mild curry powder to reduce the heat in your curry (if you prefer), which is what I use so the kids can enjoy it. I must admit, the coconut cream with the sweet tomato sauce does a fine job in balancing out the spices and heat.
• Use full-fat coconut cream which gives the lentil curry a perfect smooth and luscious consistency.
• The more your daal simmers on low heat – the more creamy and luscious it will be. Stir several times in between to ensure it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

More Delicious Curries You Might Like:

• Thai Coconut Shrimp Curry
• Slow Cooker Black Eyed Beans Curry
• Chickpea Kale Curry with Spaghetti Squash
• Spicy Okra Recipe (Bhindi)

Tell me, what’s your best memory of curry? Have you tried my daal makhani recipe before? Leave me a comment and share your all-time fave curry?

If you try this recipe, would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, rate it, or share a photo and hashtag with #desiliciousrd on Instagram, Facebook and twitter!  Can’t wait to see your photos.

Daal Makhani | Coconut Lentil Curry | High Protein, Vegan, Gluten Free

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe

Rich. Spicy. Exquisite. A mouthwatering and aromatic Indian dish, Daal Makhani is a thick, hearty lentil curry, made with brown lentils and red kidney beans in a creamy coconut and tomato sauce and seasoned with traditional Indian spices. This meatless meal is a guaranteed winner! High protein, vegan and gluten free.

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Total Time40 mins

Course: Main

Servings: 8 people

Author: Shahzadi Devje

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds whole
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds whole
• 2 1/2 inch cinnamon stick
• 4 cloves black
• 6 green cardamon grind seeds
• 1 black cardamon grind seeds
• 2 bay leaves large
• 2 onion medium, finely chopped
• 5 cloves garlic crushed
• 2 inch ginger fresh, grated
• 1 cup tomato sauce couli-style (thick)
• 1 tbsp curry powder madras
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 cup coconut cream thick
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups brown lentils soaked overnight
• 2 cup kidney beans cooked
• 2 green chilies finely chopped
• 1/2 cup cilantro fresh, finely chopped

Instructions

• In a large pan, melt the coconut oil and fry the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, black and green cardamoms and bay leaves. Be careful not to burn the spices. The whole spices should be golden brown - on low/medium heat.
• Add the onion, garlic, ginger and stir to fry until the onions are golden brown.
• Add the curry powder and turmeric and cook for 1 min.
• Add tomato sauce, coconut cream, salt and water and stir to mix well. Bring to boil.
• Stir in the lentils and kidney beans and cook over medium heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the mixture becomes a thick creamy texture and the lentils are cooked through and soft.
• Add the green chilli (optional) and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

• Don't skip on the whole spices. Each type adds it's unique flavor, which gives this recipe the typical daal makhani taste.
• Keep the heat on low/medium and keep a close eye to not burn the whole spices - otherwise your curry will have a bitter taste.
• If you're not a fan of spicy food, you could certainly tone it down. Leave out the green chilli and keep it on the side
• Use mild curry powder to reduce the heat in your curry (if you prefer), which is what I use so the kids can enjoy it. I must admit, the coconut cream with the sweet tomato sauce does a fine job in balancing out the spices and heat.
• Use full-fat coconut cream which gives the lentil curry a perfect smooth and luscious consistency.
• The more your daal simmers on low heat - the more creamy and luscious it will be. Stir several times in between to ensure it does not stick to the bottom of the pot.

Nutrition Facts

Daal Makhani | Coconut Lentil Curry | High Protein, Vegan, Gluten Free

Amount Per Serving

Calories 394 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 12g60%

Sodium 795mg33%

Potassium 946mg27%

Carbohydrates 50g17%

Fiber 21g84%

Sugar 4g4%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 235IU5%

Vitamin C 10.3mg12%

Calcium 84mg8%

Iron 7.2mg40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.