The Viral Craze That Everyone’s Talking About

What happens when a Western food creator accidentally reinvents a beloved Indian dish? You get the now-famous “Marry Me Lentils” — a creamy, comforting lentil curry that’s breaking the internet.
Originally known as Dal Makhani, this dish has been a staple in Indian households for generations. But thanks to a viral TikTok video, it’s now trending worldwide under a romantic new name — and Indians can’t help but react.
What Exactly Are Marry Me Lentils?
To clear the air — Marry Me Lentils = Dal Makhani with a fresh title. It’s made with:
- Whole black lentils (urad dal)
- Kidney beans (rajma)
- Tomato-based buttery gravy
- Aromatic Indian spices
- Finished with cream and butter
The influencer’s post included the line: “If someone cooked this for me, I’d marry them.” And just like that, Dal Makhani became an international romantic recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Lentils | |
Whole urad dal (black lentils) | 1 cup |
Rajma (kidney beans) | 1/4 cup |
Water | For soaking and boiling |
Salt | To taste |
For the Gravy | |
Butter | 3 tbsp |
Oil | 1 tbsp |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
Tomatoes (pureed) | 2 |
Ginger-garlic paste | 1 tsp |
Cumin powder | 1 tsp |
Red chili powder | 1 tsp |
Garam masala | 1/2 tsp |
Kasuri methi | 1 tsp |
Fresh cream | 1/2 cup |
Fresh coriander | For garnish |
How to Make It – Step-by-Step
1. Soak & Cook the Lentils
- Soak the urad dal and rajma overnight or for 8 hours.
- Rinse and pressure cook with salt for 7–8 whistles until soft.
2. Prepare the Gravy
- Heat butter and oil in a pan.
- Sauté onions until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste; cook until fragrant.
- Mix in tomato puree, cumin, chili powder, and salt.
- Cook until the oil separates.
3. Combine & Simmer
- Add the cooked lentils into the gravy.
- Let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add cream, kasuri methi, and garam masala. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes.
4. Serve
- Garnish with chopped coriander and extra cream.
- Serve hot with butter naan, jeera rice, or garlic paratha.
Marry Me Lentils – Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 320 kcal |
Protein | 13 g |
Carbohydrates | 35 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Sugars | 4 g |
Fat | 14 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Cholesterol | 25 mg |
Sodium | 480 mg |
Potassium | 650 mg |
Calcium | 80 mg |
Iron | 4 mg |
✅ Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 250g)
✅ Serves: 4–6 people
✅ Note: Values may vary slightly based on portion size and ingredients used.
Why It Went Viral in India (And Beyond)
- A Western twist on a beloved Indian dish
- Cultural conversations around food credit
- Emotional, comforting flavors
- Super Instagrammable look!
Pros & 👎 Cons
Pros:
- Comforting and flavorful
- High-protein lentil dish
- Great for family dinners
Cons:
- Long soak time
- Requires patience during slow cooking
FAQs
Q: What is Marry Me Lentils?
A: A viral recipe based on India’s Dal Makhani, renamed and romanticized by a Western influencer.
Q: Can I make it vegan?
A: Yes. Replace butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream.
Q: Is this Indian food?
A: 100%! The original name is Dal Makhani — Marry Me Lentils is just a viral nickname.
Q: What do I serve it with?
A: Naan, paratha, or jeera rice are perfect options.
Final Thoughts
“Marry Me Lentils” may be a new name, but the dish has always been close to the hearts of Indians. Whether you call it Dal Makhani or not, it’s a timeless comfort food with viral charm.
Tried it? Share your version using #MarryMeLentilsChallenge and tag us!
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