Makhani (adjective.), is the word used in Indian cooking for something that is creamy buttery in taste, but the taste of butter is subdued with the presence of other ingredients. A makhani sauce contains tomatoes, cream, cashew nut paste, herbs and onions and such sauces can even be added to pre-cooked vegetables to get a makhani flavour.
Dal makhani and butter chicken are some dishes made with butter, onion tomato, ginger garlic and herbs. The excess of makhan or butter and spicy herbs mixed with boiled lentils make dal makhani a preferred dish, often eaten with roti or pulao.