Chicken Dhansak is a flavorful Indian dish that combines chicken and lentils with aromatic spices to create a rich, hearty curry. Originating from Parsi cuisine, this dish has a perfect balance of heat and sweetness and is often served with basmati rice or naan for a comforting, satisfying meal. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create an authentic Chicken Dhansak right in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup mixed lentils (red, yellow, and green)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional for extra heat)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 2-3 tablespoons cooking oil
- Water or chicken broth for cooking
Method:
- Prepare Lentils: Rinse the lentils thoroughly and soak them in water for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Cook Lentils: In a large pot, add soaked lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until soft. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a deep skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Add cumin seeds and cook until they start to crackle. Add chopped onions and cook until golden brown. Stir in garlic, ginger, and green chili, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, garam masala, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Stir and cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes break down and the mixture thickens.
- Combine Lentils and Chicken: Add the cooked lentils to the skillet along with the browned chicken pieces. Add enough water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. Simmer for a few more minutes if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and serve hot with basmati rice or naan.
This Chicken Dhansak is a fantastic way to explore Indian flavors with minimal effort. The tender chicken and creamy lentils make it a wonderfully satisfying dish, perfect for cozy dinners or as a special treat for guests. Enjoy this rich, comforting meal that brings a taste of India to your table!
If you want to find out more about the recipes. Welcome to DewyDecipes