# Dishoom’s Black Dal: Rich, Creamy, and Incredibly Irresistible
Dal transcends being merely a dish; it serves as a comforting hug on a cold day, a wellspring of solace, and a culinary essential that resonates across numerous cultures, especially in South Asia. Among the countless dal recipes, Dishoom’s Black Dal shines as a creamy, sumptuous, and utterly irresistible treasure. This recipe pays tribute to the renowned dish presented at Dishoom, a cherished Irani-style Bombay-inspired café located in London.
## The Charm of Dishoom’s Black Dal
Dishoom’s Black Dal is a culinary gem that melds tender lentils with a decadent, creamy tomato sauce, infused with a diverse mix of spices such as cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, fennel, and garam masala. Typically served with warm naan, it represents a quintessential comfort food that’s incredibly hard to resist. The restaurant is celebrated for this dish, which has become a staple at every table, with whispers suggesting that the dal simmers for over 24 hours to develop its signature taste.
While Dishoom has provided a condensed version of the recipe in their cookbook, many aficionados, including the writer of this piece, have gone further by simmering it for the full 24 hours to recreate the authentic flavor. For those pressed for time, an Instant Pot version is also on offer, providing a quicker but still gratifying alternative.
## What Does Dal Mean?
The term “dal” encompasses both the pulses, like lentils, peas, and beans, and the soups or stews fashioned from them. Dal is revered for its warmth, nourishment, and high content of plant-based protein and fiber, making it an excellent option for a fulfilling meal, particularly when accompanied by rice or naan.
## Exploring Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani, a variation that emerged from New Delhi, represents a contemporary interpretation of traditional dal, specifically using black beans or black lentils. The standout feature of dal makhani is the inclusion of butter and cream, which impart a rich, buttery texture—this is why it is named “makhani,” which translates to “buttery” in Hindi.
## The Taste of Dal Makhani
Dal makhani offers a delicious mix of thick, savory soup made from lentils. The dish is known for its deep, bold flavors, where the lentils retain their form while bursting with taste at the slightest touch. The harmonious blend of spices, the sweetness from the tomatoes, and the richness from the butter and cream creates a flavor profile that is both soothing and indulgent.
## Essential Ingredients for Dishoom’s Black Dal
1. **Black Lentils**: Traditionally, urad dal is utilized, but black beluga lentils work wonderfully as a substitute.
2. **Spices**: An assortment of spices like whole cloves, star anise, ground coriander, ground cumin, cayenne, fennel seeds, garam masala, cardamom, bay leaf, and a cinnamon stick contributes to the richness of flavor.
3. **Aromatics**: Finely minced onions, ginger, and garlic infuse sweetness and warmth.
4. **Tomato Paste**: This component intensifies the umami flavor and assists in achieving a smooth texture for the dal.
5. **Butter and Cream**: Key to attaining the rich, creamy consistency that renders this dish so addictive.
## How to Prepare Dishoom’s Black Dal
### Traditional Approach (24 Hours)
1. **Soak**: Rinse and soak the lentils overnight.
2. **Cook**: Boil the lentils until tender but still intact. Drain and keep aside.
3. **Toast Spices**: Gently toast the spices to release their fragrances.
4. **Sweat Aromatics**: Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until soft, then mix in the spices and tomato paste.
5. **Braise**: Combine everything in a pot, cover, and bake at 325°F for 3-4 hours, then lower the temperature to 200°F overnight.
6. **Finish**: Incorporate cream and butter, adjust with salt, and savor.
### Instant Pot Method
1. **Toast Spices**: Lightly toast and grind the spices.
2. **Sauté Aromatics**: In the Instant Pot, sauté onions, ginger, and garlic in butter and oil.
3. **Combine Ingredients**: Add lentils, tomato paste, and water, then seal and cook under high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. **Finish**: Blend in butter and cream before serving.
## Tips for Ideal Dal
– **Soaking**: Always soak your lentils overnight to help them keep their shape.
– **Smokiness**: The extended braise in the oven provides a distinctive smokiness that enhances the flavor.