Chicken Dhansak is a tasty dish that mixes Persian and Indian cooking styles. It’s a specialty of the Parsi people. This hearty curry has tender chicken and a mix of lentils. The lentils make the dish healthy and filling. The special blend of spices, along with sweet and sour flavors from tamarind and jaggery, give Dhansak its unique taste.
Dhansak was first made for Parsi funerals, but now it’s a popular comfort food enjoyed anytime. The chicken gives protein, and the lentils add fiber, making it a well-balanced meal. The spices make it taste great and might even be good for your health.
What’s great about this recipe is that you can change it up. It’s usually made with goat or lamb, but using chicken makes it easier to cook at home. The lentils make the sauce thick and creamy, perfect for scooping up with naan bread or spooning over rice.
Whether you love Indian food or are trying Parsi flavors for the first time, this Chicken Dhansak recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s get cooking and bring the rich taste of this Parsi classic to your kitchen!
Chicken Dhansak Recipe
Ingredients
For the Lentils:
- 1/2 cup red lentils masoor dal
- 1/4 cup yellow split peas toor dal
- 1/4 cup yellow lentils moong dal
- 4 cups water
For the Chicken:
- 500 g boneless chicken thighs cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 onions finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes chopped
- 1/4 cup pineapple chunks optional
For the Spice Mix:
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 2 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 4 cloves
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp tamarind paste
- 1 tbsp jaggery or brown sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lentils
- Rinse all the lentils together until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, combine the lentils with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until lentils are soft and mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Spice Mix
- In a dry pan, roast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick until fragrant.
- Grind the roasted spices into a fine powder. Mix with turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
- Add the spice mix and cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and oil starts to separate.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to brown.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
- Add the cooked lentils to the chicken mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Add tamarind paste, jaggery or brown sugar, and salt. Mix well.
- If using, add pineapple chunks.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or Indian bread.
Tips and Information
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with vegetables like eggplant, pumpkin, and potatoes.
- Adjust the consistency of the curry by adding more water if needed.
- The dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop further.
Chicken Dhansak isn’t just yummy; it also has a special way of bringing people together. Whether you’re sharing it with family on a cozy night in or serving it to impress guests at a dinner party, this dish creates a feeling of warmth and connection around the table.
When you make Chicken Dhansak in your own kitchen, you get to experience the rich food traditions of the Parsi community. It’s a great example of how Persian and Indian flavors have come together over many years. By cooking this dish, you’re not just making a meal; you’re taking part in a long-standing culinary tradition.
So the next time you want a meal that’s both comforting and exciting, give Chicken Dhansak a try. It’s a tasty way to explore the diverse world of Indian cuisine and add a new favorite to your recipe collection. Remember, cooking is an adventure, and each time you make this dish, you’re creating not just food, but memories.
Gather your ingredients, get the stove ready, and let the inviting smells of Chicken Dhansak fill your kitchen. Happy cooking, and enjoy your tasty journey through Parsi cuisine!