dal makhani - served with Trader Joe's paratha, which are excellent
3/4 cup whole black gram beans (sabat urad)
2 tablespoons adzuki beans or pink beans (choti rajma)
2 tablespoons split chickpeas (chana dal)
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt, whisked
2 cups finely chopped onions
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons sunflower or safflower oil
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
3/4 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
Combine the legumes with 4 cups water (I used 2 cups water, 2 cups vegetable broth) in a large saucepan and bring to a boil; cook, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover the pot; let the legumes soak for 2 hours.
Add the whole-milk yogurt, 1 cup onions, tomatoes, ginger, turmeric, cardamom, paprika, chili and salt to the pot and bring to a boil once more. Cook, partly covered, over low heat for 90 minutes, or until the dal is very soft. Turn off the heat and purée the dal for about 1 minute; it should be saucy but not soupy.
To make the tadka, heat the oil in a small saucepan over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the remaining cup of onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until medium brown. Turn off the heat and stir in the cumin and garam masala.
Transfer the dal to a large bowl and cover with the low-fat yogurt; top with tadka, stir gently and serve.