Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Start by finely one large onion.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot. Add the onions and stir. Cover the pot, turn the heat down, and let the onions brown gently and soften for about , stirring occasionally to ensure even browning. The goal is a smooth masala without blending.
While the onions are cooking, drain the four cans of beans (Haricot, Red Kidney, Black, Cannellini), reserving the liquid. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold water.
Once the onions are golden brown, add 1.5 tablespoons of ginger and garlic paste (or a good thumb of grated ginger and 6-7 crushed garlic cloves). Cook until the ginger and garlic are golden and you can no longer smell the raw aroma, about .
Stir in 1 cup of passata. This step helps to cool the pan, preventing the spices from burning. Cook for until the liquid from the tomatoes has almost dried away and the onions are further broken down into a creamy texture.
Add 1 teaspoon each of cumin powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt, along with a pinch of carom seeds. Mix thoroughly and cook for about , stirring constantly. You'll know the spices are cooked when the oil starts to separate from the masala around the edges.
Stir in the drained beans, ensuring they are well coated with the masala. Pour in some of the reserved bean liquid (or boiling water if preferred) to achieve a desired consistency. Give it a quick mix.
Slice 2-3 green chilies (optional, for extra heat) and stir them into the curry. This allows them to retain a slight bite, which is quite nice.
Cover the pot, turn the heat down to low, and let the dal for about . Most of the liquid should dry away, leaving a creamy texture. Some beans will naturally break down, contributing to the creaminess. Be careful when stirring to avoid dissolving the beans completely.
Chop a bunch of fresh coriander. Once the dal has to your desired consistency, stir in the chopped coriander. Serve hot with rice or roti.
No Onion?
No Butter?
No Garlic (fresh)?
No Cilantro?
No Garam masala?
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
Soaked overnight and cooked until tender, to stretch your budget further.
Experiment with different combinations of beans based on availability and preference.
Adjust the amount of green chilies to control the spice level; omit them if you prefer a milder curry.
Small details that can improve the final result.
Save your personal tweaks, substitutions and cooking adjustments.
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