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14 MINS delivery
Chicken Dhansak
Serves 4
90 mins
274 Kcal
Chicken Dhansak is one of the most famous Indian dishes, primarily known for its richness in attractive aromatic flavours. The dish combines tender chicken with various lentils and special spices that make it a satisfying meal. It's a lovely blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavours, a true favourite in many houses. Mix chicken in yoghurt with turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala for a typical Chicken Dhansak. The marination itself helps infuse such deep flavours into it. Then, cook the chicken with onions, garlic, and ginger till the meat is browned and fragrant. The lentils will form the backbone of the Chicken Dhansak recipe. Traditionally, equal proportions of yellow lentils (toor dal) and red lentils are cooked down until mushy and then pureed into the curry. A dash of tamarind paste or lemon juice can make it acidic and hence will balance with the richness of the preparation. Finally, add the marinated chicken to the lentil mix and let it simmer until tender and the curry flavours seeped. Serve your Chicken Dhansak with steamed basmati rice or naan for a complete meal. Whether you are a newcomer to the cuisine of India or an experienced cook, the Chicken Dhansak recipe will blow your mind with complex flavours yet a comforting appeal. It is, after all, the best way to bring traditional cooking flavour from India into your kitchen.
Ingredients required for Chicken Dhansak
- 6-8 chicken thighs
- 2 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 20 gms ginger
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 400 gms tomato
- 100 gms red split lentils
- 2 bay leaves
- 200 gms long grain rice
- 150 gms yoghurt
- 1 tbsp coriander leaves
Cooking steps for Chicken Dhansak
- 1Begin the recipe of chicken dhansak by spraying a large pan with low-calorie cooking spray.
- 2Over medium heat, add finely chopped onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent, which will take 4-5 minutes.
- 3Meanwhile, prepare the chicken thighs by removing the skin and bones and chopping them into manageable pieces.
- 4Add the chicken to the pan with the onions, stirring occasionally until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides.
- 5Then, add crushed garlic and finely grated ginger to the pan.
- 6These ingredients provide that aromatic punch to your curry.
- 7Cook for another minute.
- 8Add garam masala and hot chili powder to the pan for that signature Dhansak heat and flavor.
- 9Toss the chicken in the spices so it's well coated.
- 10Add 400g of chopped tomatoes and pour in 600ml of chicken stock, stirring to combine.
- 11Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 12Add the rinsed and drained red split lentils to the pot.
- 13The lentils will thicken the sauce, creating a comforting, hearty texture.
- 14If desired, add bay leaves for extra flavor.
- 15Let the curry simmer on low to medium heat for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the lentils are soft.
- 16While the curry is simmering, cook 200g of wholegrain rice according to the package instructions.
- 17Wholegrain rice is a healthier choice, providing more fiber and nutrients.
- 18Once the curry is done, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or chili powder if needed.
- 19Serve the curry by spooning it onto plates and top with a dollop of fat-free yogurt and fresh coriander leaves for extra freshness and flavor.
- 20This Chicken Dhansak is a balance of lean protein, lentils, and whole grains, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- 21The spices, along with the tender chicken and creamy yogurt, make it comforting and healthy enough to enjoy any day of the week.
- 22This recipe is perfect for those who want a filling, flavorful curry without compromising on health.