Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker: Famous 6-Serving Comfort

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If you’ve ever dreamed of recreating Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker at home—the kind that tastes rich, smoky, and like it’s been simmering all day (because it has!)—you’re in exactly the right place. This slow cooker version takes the legendary black dal from Dishoom and makes it busy-life friendly. Minimal effort, maximum comfort. The kind of meal that quietly cooks while you live your life… and then rewards you with a bowl of pure happiness.

This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but behaves like a weeknight hero. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself after a long day, this dal is warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying—like a cozy hug in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker

Hands-off cooking: Your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
Authentic flavor: Adapted straight from Dishoom’s own cookbook.
Budget-friendly comfort: Simple pantry ingredients, big payoff.
Perfect for make-ahead: Even better the next day (yes, really).

I especially love this recipe on weeks when my to-do list feels endless. I soak the lentils the night before, flip on the slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner? The house smells incredible and dinner is basically done. That’s my kind of cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Nothing fancy here—just good, honest ingredients doing what they do best.

300 g (1½ cups) dried black urad lentils, soaked overnight
70 g (4½ Tbsp) tomato purée (tomato paste)
12 g (2¼ tsp) garlic purée
10 g (1¾ tsp) ginger purée
8 g (½ Tbsp) salt
⅔ tsp deggi mirch
⅓ tsp garam masala
90 g (6 Tbsp) unsalted butter
90 ml (⅓ cup) double cream (heavy cream)
Water, as needed

Step-by-Step: Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker

This method is slow, gentle, and forgiving—perfect even if you’re not feeling particularly chef-y today.

1. Soak & Rinse

Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them overnight. The next day, drain and rinse again until the water runs clear. This step helps the dal cook evenly and become beautifully creamy.

2. First Slow Cook

Add the soaked lentils to your slow cooker with 1 litre (4¼ cups) water.
Cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the lentils are soft and fully cooked through.

3. Drain & Reset

Drain the lentils through a sieve—no rinsing needed. Return them to the slow cooker and add about 450 ml (just under 2 cups) fresh water, just enough to submerge them.
Tip: Use boiling water so the slow cooker heats back up quickly.

Cook on HIGH until the lentils are bubbling again.

4. Build the Flavor

While that’s heating, mix together:

Tomato purée
Garlic purée
Ginger purée
Salt
Deggi mirch
Garam masala

Once the lentils are bubbling, add this tomato-spice mix along with the butter. Cover and cook for 5 minutes, just until the butter softens.

5. Low & Slow Magic

Stir everything together, then reduce the heat to LOW.
Cover and cook for 3–4 hours, stirring once or twice if you can. By the end, the dal should be thick, rich, and partly broken down—exactly what you want.

Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker simmering into a rich, creamy black lentil curry — Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker bubbling into a rich, buttery lentil curry with deep, comforting flavor.

6. Finish with Cream

Add the cream, cover, and cook for another 20 minutes.
That’s it. Serve hot and prepare for compliments.

Slow Cooker Dal Tips (From One Busy Cook to Another)

Too thick? Add a splash of hot water and stir. Dal is forgiving.
No garlic or ginger purée? Use 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger.
Make it ahead: This dal tastes even better the next day. Leftovers are gold.
Sticking worries? A quick stir halfway through the LOW cook keeps everything happy.

If your dal looks a little rustic while cooking, don’t stress. It always comes together in the end—kind of like life.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker, it was one of those weeks. You know the kind—emails piling up, dinner plans feeling overwhelming, and zero energy for stovetop babysitting.

I let the slow cooker do its thing, and hours later, my kitchen smelled like something special had been happening all day (because it had). That night, dinner felt calm. Comforting. Like I’d done something really good for myself without working that hard. Those are the recipes I keep forever.

FAQs About Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker

Can I make this without cream?

You can, but it won’t be quite as rich. Coconut cream works in a pinch, though the flavor will change slightly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat slowly.

Is this spicy?

It’s warmly spiced, not hot. Deggi mirch adds color and gentle warmth rather than heat.

A Bowl Worth Slowing Down For

There’s something deeply satisfying about making Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker—it’s patient, comforting, and rewards you for doing less, not more. Serve it with rice, naan, or just a spoon straight from the bowl (no judgment here).

If you’re craving a cozy, reliable dinner that feels a little special without stealing your time, this dal belongs on your table. Let it simmer, let yourself relax, and enjoy every creamy bite.

Keep the Comfort Cooking Going

If this Dishoom Dal in the Slow Cooker brought a little extra warmth to your table, there are plenty of other cozy, slow-simmered dishes waiting for you. Staying in the same comforting, hands-off spirit, these recipes pair beautifully with the flavors and vibes of this dal and make planning your next meal feel effortless:

Craving another Indian-inspired classic? This slow cooker butter chicken with rich, creamy sauce is just as comforting and perfect for nights when you want big flavor without hovering over the stove.
If you enjoy traditional home-style dishes, you’ll love this Indian keema aloo that’s hearty, spiced, and weeknight-friendly—it’s wonderful served alongside rice or warm flatbread.
For another plant-based, soul-soothing option, this slow cooker curry lentil soup full of cozy spices keeps that comforting rhythm going in the best way.
And if you’re curious to see a trusted vegetarian take on this same dish, this authentic Dishoom dal made in the slow cooker is a lovely complement and source of inspiration.

Each of these recipes keeps that same calm, comforting energy—perfect for days when you want dinner to feel special without asking too much of you.