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Dal Bukhara (Creamy with Smokey Tandoor Flavor!)
5 from 9 votes

Dal Bukhara (Creamy with Smokey Tandoor Flavor!)

A classic Indian lentil dish slow-cooked to perfection with simple ingredients, butter, and a touch of smoky goodness. Perfect for a comforting meal with naan or rice!

Cook Time
1 hr 20 mins
Soaking Beans
4 hrs
Calories: 239 kcal
Course: Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1⅓ cup urad dal also known as black matpe or black gram beans, whole
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 plum tomatoes pureed or 1 cup tomato puree
  • 2 teaspoons ginger paste
  • 2 teaspoons garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 3 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ⅓ cup cream
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala optional
Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon butter
For Smokey Flavor (optional):
  • 1 piece charcoal
  • ¼ teaspoon ghee

Instructions

Prep the Dal:
    Cup of Yum
  1. Rinse and drain the whole urad dal 2-3 times. Soak overnight (or for at least 4 hours) in 4 cups of water.
Cook the Dal:
  1. Drain the water from the soaked dal and add it to the Instant Pot along with 4 cups of fresh water. Close the lid, set the pressure valve to sealing, and pressure cook for 20 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for at least 15 minutes before opening.
Saute the Dal:
  1. Open the Instant Pot and add tomato puree, ginger, garlic, red chili powder, salt, and butter. Stir well. Set the Instant Pot to “Saute” on low and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes to prevent the dal from sticking to the bottom.
Adjust Consistency & Flavor
  1. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency. I usually add about half a cup of water. Adjust salt to taste. Stir in cream and garam masala (if using) and cook on "Saute" low for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Optional Smokey Flavor
  1. If you'd like to add a smoky tandoori flavor, place a small stainless steel bowl on top of the dal. Using tongs, heat a piece of charcoal over an open flame until red hot. Carefully place the hot charcoal in the bowl and pour ½ teaspoon of ghee over it. Quickly cover the pot to trap the smoke. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then remove the bowl and give the dal a final stir.
Serving
  1. Stir in the remaining butter and serve hot with steamed basmati rice, naan, or parathas.
  2. Enjoy the rich, creamy flavors of Dal Bukhara with that irresistible hint of smokiness!

Nutrition Information

Calories 239kcal (12%) Carbohydrates 24g (8%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 11g (17%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g (3%) Monounsaturated Fat 3g (15%) Trans Fat 0.2g (10%) Cholesterol 30mg (10%) Sodium 1229mg (51%) Potassium 77mg (2%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 643IU (13%) Vitamin C 5mg (6%) Calcium 49mg (5%) Iron 4mg (22%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 239

% Daily Value*

Calories 239kcal 12%
Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 11g 17%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g 3%
Monounsaturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 0.2g 10%
Cholesterol 30mg 10%
Sodium 1229mg 51%
Potassium 77mg 2%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 643IU 13%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 49mg 5%
Iron 4mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.