Chicken Dhansak
A classic Parsi dish where tender chicken is slow-cooked with a medley of lentils and vegetables. This sweet, sour, and spicy curry is a hearty one-pot meal, best enjoyed with caramelized brown rice.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 60 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Cook the Dal and Vegetables
- b.Wash the toor dal and masoor dal thoroughly under running water. Soak them in fresh water for at least 30 minutes.
- c.In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked and drained dals, cubed pumpkin, cubed potato, the quartered onion, quartered tomato, turmeric powder, and 1 tsp of salt.
- d.Add 4 cups of water and stir. Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 whistles, or about 15-20 minutes.
- e.Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Blend the Dal Mixture
- b.Once the pressure has fully released, carefully open the cooker.
- c.Use an immersion blender to blend the cooked dal and vegetable mixture into a smooth, thick puree. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Chicken Masala Base
- b.Heat ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 8-10 minutes until it turns soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
- e.Add the chicken pieces and sear on all sides for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Spices
- b.Lower the heat and add the Dhansak masala, red chili powder, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of salt. Stir for 30 seconds.
- c.Pour in the tomato puree and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating at the edges of the masala.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Simmer the Dhansak
- b.Pour the blended dal-vegetable puree into the pot with the chicken masala. Mix everything thoroughly to combine.
- c.Add about 1 cup of hot water, or more, to achieve a thick, stew-like consistency.
- d.Stir in the tamarind paste and grated jaggery. Bring the curry to a gentle boil.
- e.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the flavors have melded.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Crush the kasuri methi between your palms and stir it into the curry.
- c.Check for seasoning and adjust the salt, sourness (tamarind), or sweetness (jaggery) as needed.
- d.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- e.Serve hot with Parsi brown rice and a side of kachumber salad.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a more authentic flavor, use chicken on the bone, such as thighs or drumettes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- 2The key to a great Dhansak is balancing the 'khattu-mithu' (sour-sweet) taste. Always taste and adjust before serving.
- 3Dhansak thickens considerably as it cools. Add a splash of hot water when reheating to restore its original consistency.
- 4This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.
- 5You can add other vegetables like eggplant (brinjal) or fenugreek leaves (methi) along with the dal for extra flavor and nutrition.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of paneer cubes or a mix of hearty vegetables like carrots, French beans, and cauliflower. Add the paneer or vegetables in the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Mutton DhansakMutton Dhansak
Substitute chicken with 500g of mutton pieces. Pressure cook the mutton with the masala base before adding the dal puree, as it requires a longer cooking time.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder. You can also add a pinch of garam masala at the end for extra warmth.
Creamier TextureCreamier Texture
For a richer, creamier finish, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of fresh cream or full-fat coconut milk just before serving. Do not boil after adding cream.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of chicken and a variety of lentils provides a high-quality protein boost, essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
With a base of lentils and vegetables like pumpkin, this dish is rich in dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Provides Sustained Energy
The complex carbohydrates from the lentils are digested slowly, providing a steady release of energy and helping you feel full and satisfied for longer.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
This one-pot meal is packed with essential nutrients. Pumpkin provides Vitamin A, tomatoes offer antioxidants like lycopene, and lentils are a good source of iron and folate.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Chicken Dhansak is a well-balanced and nutritious meal. It's rich in protein from chicken and lentils, high in fiber from vegetables and dals, and provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. Using ghee in moderation provides healthy fats.