Dal Bukhara

Dal Bukhara is a slow-cooked creamy dal recipe made using whole black grams. Needless to say, I first tried Dal Bukhara at an ITC hotel – The Royal Afghan restaurant at ITC Windsor, Bangalore. Had read so much about this dal before heading to the restaurant that it was a must try. And yes, its an absolute delight. In fact before tasting this dal both hubby and me were never really big fans of any particular dal. But this one really wins your heart :). In fact everytime we visit any of ITC restaurant having Dal Bukhara on menu, it has to arrive on our table . One Dal Bukhara, some naans (or butter naans ? for a complete buttery experience) and some chicken starter = a complete awesome meal

I tried preparing Dal Bukhara several times and finally I feel I am pretty close to the original one. Below is a step by step Dal Bukhara recipe with pictures.

Serves : 3
Preparation Time : 10 min
Cooking Time : 45 min

Ingredients:
Whole Black Grams : 3/4th cup (soaked overnight)
Onion : 1 small (finely chopped)
Tomato : 3 medium (roughly chopped)
Ginger : 1/4th inch
Garlic cloves : 4-5
Chilli Powder : 3/4 tsp
Garam Masala Powder : 1/2 tsp
Butter : 5 tbsp + some more for garnishing
Fresh Cream : 4 tbsp
Salt : as required

Method of Preparation:

1. Boil the whole black grams in pressure cooker for 7-8 whistles. Basically the lentils should be cooked well. Once cooked, drain the grams. Do not discard the water as we will need it later.
2. Add the tomato, ginger and garlic to a mixer unit and make a smooth puree. Keep this aside.
3. Add a tsp of butter in a thick bottomed pan. Add onion and saute till light brown.
4. Add the boiled black gram, tomato puree of step 2, chilli powder, butter, cream, around 1 cup water from boiled grams and salt. Let it cook on medium flame for 5 min.
5. Reduce flame to low. Keep stirring occasionally . Smash some lentils for the additional flavor and creamy texture. If you feel your Dal Bukhara is getting too thick, you can add upto 1/2 cup of water(gradually). (Dal Bukhara is a thick creamy preparation so be careful not to add too much water.) Let it cook on a slow flame for 25-30 min.
6. Once the dal looks almost done, add garam masala and mix. Simmer for another 4-5 min. Your delicious dal bukhara is ready. Garnish with butter and serve hot.

If you enjoy lentil based curries, you may also like to try Red Cow Peas Curry (Goan special) and Mixed lentil curry( a beautiful no-onion-no-garlic easy curry).

Dal Bukhara recipe