Chicken Dhansak Recipe

This Dish is regarded as special , and is served on special occasions. It originated from the Persians and has been passed down many generations. It is a dish based on lentils with various fruits and vegetables, also with meat added, but would make a fine vegetarian meal.

It is usually finished with lemon juice and Jaggery (but we will use sugar here) to give it a sweet and sour overtone.

Serves 4

Preparation time 15 minutes,  Cooking time 1 hour,  Overall time  1 hour 15 minutes.

Recipe Difficulty level - Beginner-Friendly / Intermediate Cook

Special equipment - None

Heat level - Mild - Medium

Nutrition values for Chicken Dhansak

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The nutritional values for chicken dhansak prepared with these ingredients will vary based on portion sizes and specific brands used, but generally, a typical serving (about one chicken breast with the sauce and vegetables) provides approximately 350-450 calories, with 20-30 grams of protein, 15-20 grams of fat (mainly from ghee or coconut oil), and 40-50 grams of carbohydrates, including dietary fiber from lentils, vegetables, and pineapple. The dish is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals from the lentils, vegetables, and spices, making it a nutritious and balanced meal.

Chicken Dhansak

Dhansak is a popular Indian dish and can be made with mutton, goat or lamb but here with this we are going to use chicken. Dhansak is made with a mixture of lentils and vegetables the lentils can be cooked and soaked from scratch or from using leftover tarka dhall. With this chicken dhansak recipe we will start from scratch.

Ooh my favourite Curry Magic Dish! Chicken Dhansak - Val Oliver

For me I always enjoyed the pineapple chunks in this dish giving that burst of "sweetness" combined with hot spices balancing the flavour! "a bit of a hot and sweet" kind of thing.

I first experimented with cooking this dish for the sake of variety, and a friend asked if I could make it for one of our curry parties? me being me, willingly obliged, and I have to say that I now make it quite often.

A Curry Magic Buffet

Basic Curry Gravy

Chicken Dhansak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2-4 chicken breasts (one per person)

• 4 tablespoons of ghee or coconut oil

• 1 large onion thickly sliced

• 1 inch piece of ginger grated

• 4 cloves of garlic crushed

• 3 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon turmeric

• 1 teaspoon chilli powder

• 2-3 ladles of basic curry gravy

• 1 teaspoon of Celtic or Himalayan salt

• 1 desert spoon of sugar

• 1 teaspoon garam masala

• Chopped Coriander leaves

For the dhall (lentils)

• 250g of mixed lentils (Red, yellow or Green) or you can use pulses but you need to soak them overnight

Vegetables

• 1 aubergine chopped

• Pineapple cubes

• Sweet cherry tomatoes

How to make Chicken Dhansak

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1. Wash and chop the aubergine, add a good amount of salt to 'Bleed' the pieces (this will take away the bitterness and remove some of the water) let it stand for half an hour then rinse well in cold water, dry with a tea towel.

   
   

2. Pick through the lentils to make sure there are no small stones or foreign particles, then wash the lentils thoroughly and drain well. In a large pan bring 1 litre of water to the boil, and add the lentils, bring back to the boil. Reduce the heat then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until soft. Skim off any scum that forms the top of the pan. The lentils should look quite dry and stodgy, if necessary strain them through a sieve and allow to cool a little. When cool use a 'potato masher' and mash the lentils to a course texture, or you can leave the lentils whole if you prefer.

   
   

3. Meanwhile prepare all of the other ingredients, mix the spices together, slice the onions and so on.

   
   

4. In a large pan heat the oil over a medium heat and add the sliced onions, crushed garlic and grated ginger, fry gently until the onions are  just beginning brown. Next add the ground coriander, cumin, turmeric and chili powder, lower the heat and gently fry, adding a splash of water from time to time, to stop the spices from burning.

   
   

5. Now add the cubed chicken and stir frequently until the chicken changes colour, when this is done  add the basic curry gravy and stir in. You can now add the cooked dhall mix and the vegetables with a little water, be careful not to add too much (you can add more later if it becomes dry) and simmer for 20 minutes

   
   

6. When the chicken is cooked add the salt, pineapple cubes, cherry tomatoes, and cook for another few minutes.

   
   

7. Finally finish the dish with the sugar, lemon juice and the garam masala, add in a handful of chopped coriander leaves and serve.

Goes well with:

Plain Naan Bread

Bombay Potatoes

Mushroom pilau

 Frequently asked questions for Chicken Dhansak

What is Chicken Dhansak?

Chicken Dhansak is a traditional Indian-Pakistani dish combining tender chicken cooked with lentils, vegetables, and a blend of spices, resulting in a hearty, flavorful stew often served with rice or bread.

Can I make Chicken Dhansak vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with vegetables or plant-based protein options like tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken.

How do I thicken the curry?

The lentils naturally thicken the curry as they cook. Additionally, mashing cooked lentils or simmering the dish uncovered can help achieve a thicker consistency.

Can I prepare Chicken Dhansak in advance?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors develop. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, and reheat thoroughly before serving.

What are some common side dishes for Chicken Dhansak?

It is traditionally served with basmati rice, naan, or chapati, often accompanied by fresh salad or raita.

Is Chicken Dhansak spicy?

The spiciness can be adjusted by controlling the amount of chili powder and chili peppers used. It can be made mild or very spicy based on your preference.

How long does it take to cook Chicken Dhansak?

Preparation and cooking typically take about 45 minutes to 1 hour, including soaking the lentils and simmering the dish.

Can I use canned lentils for faster preparation?

Yes, canned lentils can be used for convenience, but cook them briefly to heat through and adjust the consistency as needed.

Conclusion

Chicken Dhansak is a deliciously rich dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, hearty lentils, and aromatic spices, resulting in a comforting and nutritious meal. Its unique balance of savoury, tangy, and mildly spicy flavours makes it a versatile dish suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions. With its wholesome ingredients and vibrant taste, Chicken Dhansak not only satisfies the palate but also offers a healthy, protein-packed option that can be easily customized to suit individual spice preferences. Overall, it’s a delightful dish that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

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