Chicken Dhansak Delicious Indian Lentil Curry

Chicken Dhansak is an Indian curry that features a boldly spiced lentil sauce and is considered to be the ultimate Parsi comfort food.

There are a lot of ingredients in this recipe, but aside from the time, it is very easy to cook and requires no chefy skills, and it will elevate your curry game!

Chicken and Lentil Curry

I have used the phrase many times here on Krumpli: a curry is never just a curry! This chicken dhansak recipe is another one that demonstrates the diversity of that simple name.

Regular readers will know I am somewhat of an Indian food fiend with more than 50 "curry" recipes here already.

Everything from the well-known chicken tikka masala and chicken rogan josh to the lesser-known chicken pathia and palak chicken gets a look in.

The Dhansak curry is a Parsi dish from North West India and Pakistan, fusing Gujarati food with Persian ideas.

It is essentially a dhal, cooked with meat, and it is traditionally made with mutton or lamb.

Although the chicken variant is also an exceptionally popular dish in both homes and restaurants.

Whilst I was tucking into to a roast chicken for my Sunday Lunch many of my friends with families from Pakistan and Northern Indian were chowing down on a dhansak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use different types of lentil?

For me, yes, because the different lentils all bring different textures, flavours and properties to this recipe.

Can I make this a smooth sauce?

Yes, you can blend the sauce before adding in the chicken and spinach. It makes a very thick, almost paste-like sauce.

I prefer to crush some of the lentils with the back of a spoon or ladle against the side of the pan in much the same way I do with my rajma masala curry.

Can this be made in advance?

Yes definitely! It is great sat in the fridge for 2 or 3 days, and the flavours will develop over time, and as a result, make this curry even better.

It will thicken up when you reheat it as the lentils break down more. Just add a little water or stock to let it down.

Can you freeze a dhansak curry?

Technically, it will freeze and be fine to eat for up to 3 months. The flavours may dull a little when it is reheated, and the lentils will break down a lot.

I am not keen on freezing this dish, but it is perfectly safe to do so.

Can I turn down the heat?

This is an unashamedly spicy dish; it can be toned down by reducing the number of chilli peppers used or even the type of chilli pepper.

Serving Suggestions.

I often see chicken dhansak curries served with rice, invariably brown rice; however, for me, the dish does not need rice, the lentils add more than enough body.

I do, however, usually add a simple kachumber salad.

The bite of the vegetables and the sharp, sweet flavour are the perfect contrast to the thick curry sauce.

The sauce also screams for naan bread, which will help get the bowls squeaky clean when you are finished.

But this is a big, hearty recipe, so the slightly less filling chapati may be a more prudent choice.

Equipment Used

I only recommend specific brands of equipment if I believe it makes a material difference to a recipe. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.

• Hob/stovetop.
• 20cm or 8" saucepan with a lid.
• 28cm or 11" frying pan.
• A combination of weighing scales, measuring cups and spoons.
• Chopping board.
• Sharp kitchen knife.
• Mini blender or pestle and mortar.