Aromatic Lentil Chicken Curry

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our easy Chicken Dhansak. This exquisite curry features succulent chicken pieces bathed in a sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy sauce, enriched to luxurious thickness with the addition of nutritious red lentils.
Our simplified dhansak recipe promises a delicious meal on your table in just 45 minutes, with much of that being passive cooking time.
Its delightful sweet and sour notes are a hit with everyone, especially children, and can be easily adjusted to be completely chilli-free, catering to all palates.

Embarking on new curry recipes has become a cherished weekend tradition in our kitchen. We are thrilled to have curated a collection of over 20 unique curry dishes in our dedicated curry section, each bringing its own special flair to your dining table.

Many of our recipes, including this incredibly popular Dhansak, are inspired by requests from our wonderful community of readers. We’re continuously expanding our repertoire, not just with main courses, but also with an array of delectable side dishes perfect for that classic Friday night curry feast. We always love to hear from you – is there a particular dish you’re yearning to see grace our recipe archives?

The Essence of Dhansak: A Flavor Journey

Dhansak stands out among curries with its uniquely balanced flavor profile and wonderfully thick, rich sauce. Originating from the Parsi community of India, it’s a dish traditionally prepared with meat and lentils, offering a comforting and wholesome experience. Our version delivers a mild, approachable heat, making it a fantastic introduction to Indian cuisine for those new to spices, yet robust enough for seasoned curry lovers.

The distinctive thickness of the sauce comes from red lentils, which slowly break down during cooking, imparting a creamy texture without the need for added cream. This not only makes the curry incredibly satisfying but also boosts its nutritional value. The sauce is also infused with a vibrant tomato base, providing a fundamental savory depth, beautifully complemented by the bright, tangy sweetness of pineapple chunks and their juice. This combination creates a harmonious sweet and sour taste that is utterly addictive.

While some restaurant or takeaway dhansaks can pack a significant fiery punch, our recipe offers a gentle warmth. However, for those who crave more heat, it’s incredibly simple to adjust by adding an extra dash of hot chilli powder to your preference, ensuring a personalized spice level every time.

Key Ingredients for Your Dhansak

Crafting the perfect Dhansak begins with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for substitutions:

• For the protein, we recommend using tender **chicken breast**, cut into generous chunks to absorb the rich flavors. If you prefer a juicier, richer texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and will work beautifully in this recipe.
• Our recipe calls for **passata** to achieve a smoother, velvety curry sauce. Given the existing textures from the lentils, chicken, onions, and pineapple, a smooth tomato base helps maintain a refined consistency. However, if passata isn’t available or you prefer a chunkier sauce, a can of **tinned chopped tomatoes** can be used as a direct substitute. Just ensure they are well-drained if you prefer a thicker consistency.
• A carefully balanced blend of spices including mild curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, fenugreek, and a hint of chilli powder creates the aromatic backbone of this dish. Fresh garlic and ginger are crucial for that authentic Indian flavor, while a touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness and balance of the sauce.
• Red lentils are indispensable for their thickening properties and earthy flavor. Ensure they are rinsed thoroughly before adding them to the pot. Chicken stock adds another layer of depth, and the juice from the tinned pineapple contributes to the signature tang.

Mastering the Dhansak Cooking Process

Creating this delicious Chicken Dhansak is surprisingly straightforward, and our step-by-step guide will ensure perfect results every time. For precise measurements and a detailed ingredient list, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.

1. **Caramelize the Onions:** Begin by heating your preferred oil or ghee in a large lidded saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté gently for about 10 minutes. This slow cooking allows the onions to soften and lightly caramelize, developing a crucial sweet base for the curry’s flavor. Don’t rush this step, as it forms the foundation of the dish.
2. **Sear the Chicken and Bloom the Spices:** Next, introduce the chopped chicken, along with a medley of aromatic spices including mild curry powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, ground coriander, chilli powder, ground fenugreek, and salt. Stir well to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the chicken is sealed and lightly browned on all sides. This process not only cooks the chicken but also helps to ‘bloom’ the spices, releasing their full fragrant potential.
3. **Simmer to Perfection:** Incorporate the tomato puree, a touch of honey for sweetness, the rinsed red lentils, smooth passata, and savory chicken stock. Crucially, add about ½ cup (120ml) of the reserved juice from the tinned pineapple – this is key for the Dhansak’s characteristic tang. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for 25-30 minutes. During this time, the lentils will soften and break down, thickening the sauce beautifully. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
4. **Final Touch: Pineapple & Serve:** Finally, stir in the remaining tinned pineapple chunks. Allow the curry to heat through for another 5 minutes, letting the pineapple warm and its flavors meld with the sauce. If the curry appears too thick at this stage, feel free to add a splash more water or chicken stock to reach your desired consistency.
5. **Garnish and Enjoy:** Serve your piping hot Chicken Dhansak immediately with fluffy basmati rice. A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) not only adds a burst of fresh flavor but also a touch of vibrant color.

Watch How to Make It

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Chicken Dhansak Recipe

By

Nicky Corbishley

Tender chicken in a tangy, sweet and slightly spicy sauce, made lusciously thick and rich with the addition of red lentils.

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Total Time:

45 mins

Servings:

4 people

Course:
Dinner

Cuisine:
Indian

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 large onion peeled and finely chopped
• 3 chicken breasts chopped into large chunks (approx. 525g or 18.5oz)
• 2 tbsp mild curry powder replace with medium or hot if you like it hotter
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• ¼ tsp hot chilli powder
• 1 tsp ground fenugreek
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tsp minced ginger
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 1 tbsp honey
• 100 g (½ cup) red lentils
• 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) passata
• 480 ml (2 cups) chicken stock
• 435 g (15 oz) tinned pineapple chunks in juice

To serve:

• basmati rice
• fresh coriander (cilantro)

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil or ghee in a large lidded saucepan over a medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped onion, and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelised.
3. Add the chicken, curry power, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chilli powder, fenugreek, salt, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
4. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in the spices and cook for 5 minutes, until the chicken is sealed.
5. Stir in the tomato puree and honey. Then, add the red lentils, passata, chicken stock, and ½ cup (120ml) of the juice from the tinned pineapple.
6. Stir everything together thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils have completely softened and thickened the sauce. TIP: Remember to give the curry a good stir every few minutes to prevent the lentils from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
8. Add the tinned pineapple pieces to the curry and heat through for a further 5 minutes. TIP: If the curry appears too thick at this stage, you can add a splash of water or more chicken stock to achieve your preferred consistency.
9. Serve your delicious Chicken Dhansak immediately with fluffy basmati rice, garnished with freshly chopped coriander.

Notes

Can I prepare this Dhansak ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, many curries, including this Dhansak, tend to develop even deeper and more complex flavors when made in advance. Simply cook the curry according to the instructions, then allow it to cool quickly. Once cooled, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently in a saucepan on the stovetop or in the microwave until it is piping hot throughout.

Can I freeze this curry?

Yes, this Chicken Dhansak freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect meal prep option. Prepare the curry as directed, then allow it to cool completely. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers, ensuring they are tightly sealed, and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat thoroughly in a pan or microwave until steaming hot.

How do I scale this recipe up or down?

This recipe is quite adaptable. You can easily halve the ingredients to serve 2 people or double them to cater for a larger gathering, maintaining the same ratios. When halving the recipe, the cooking time will remain roughly the same. If you choose to double the recipe, expect an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time to ensure everything is thoroughly cooked and the flavors have fully developed.

Nutritional information provided is per serving, excluding rice or other accompaniments.

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcal

|

Carbohydrates: 63g

|

Protein: 43g

|

Fat: 12g

|

Saturated Fat: 7g

|

Cholesterol: 80mg

|

Sodium: 668mg

|

Fiber: 21g

|

Sugar: 23g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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