Dhansak is a delectable and hearty traditional dish originating from the Parsi community in India. It is a delightful fusion of Persian and Gujarati cuisine, combining rich flavors with a spicy kick. The dish is renowned for its distinctive blend of lentils, vegetables, meat (often mutton or chicken), and fragrant spices.

Prepared with meticulous care, Dhansak offers a unique taste and aroma that tantalizes the taste buds. The key to its excellence lies in the delicate balance of lentils, which are cooked until soft and then mashed to create a velvety texture. The lentil base is then infused with an assortment of vegetables like pumpkin, eggplant, and potatoes, enhancing its nutritional value.

The magic of Dhansak lies in its spices. A harmonious mixture of cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and cardamom, along with a dash of fiery red chili, is ground to create the flavorful masala that infuses the entire dish with its aromatic charm.

The use of meat, cooked separately with the same spice mix, is then combined with the lentil-vegetable mix, elevating Dhansak to a hearty and satisfying main course. Often served with steamed rice, this tantalizing dish brings together diverse elements in perfect harmony and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Parsi community.

Dhansak is not merely a dish but a celebration of flavors that has charmed food enthusiasts across the globe with its tantalizing taste and heartwarming essence.

All About Dhansak Recipe:

Ingredients Of Dhansak Recipe:

• 1 cup Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 1/2 cup Masoor dal (red lentils)
• 1/4 cup Chana dal (split Bengal gram)
• 500g Boneless mutton or chicken, cut into pieces (you can also use lamb or beef)
• 2 large Onions, finely chopped
• 3-4 Tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 cup Pumpkin, diced
• 1 cup Eggplant, diced
• 1 cup Potatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup Red pumpkin, diced
• 1/2 cup Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 3-4 Green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
• 2 teaspoons Dhansak masala powder (readily available in Indian stores)
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 4-5 Cloves
• 4-5 Green cardamoms
• 1-inch Cinnamon stick
• 1 Bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• Salt to taste

Step By Step Instructions Of Dhansak Recipe:

Step 1: Soaking the Lentils

1. Wash the Toor dal, Masoor dal, and Chana dal under cold running water until the water runs clear.
2. Place the lentils in a large bowl and cover them with enough water to soak. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Meat

1. In a pressure cooker or a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
4. Add the mutton (or chicken) pieces and sear them until they brown on all sides.

Step 3: Cooking the Lentils

1. Once the meat is lightly browned, add the soaked lentils along with the water they were soaked in.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, chopped mint leaves, and green chilies.
3. Stir in the Dhansak masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt to taste.
4. Mix everything well, close the pressure cooker or pot with a lid, and let it cook on medium heat.
5. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 4-5 whistles or until the lentils and meat are tender. If using a pot, cook until the lentils and meat are soft and fully cooked (approximately 45 minutes).

Step 4: Preparing the Vegetables

1. While the lentils and meat are cooking, prepare the vegetables by washing and dicing them.
2. In a separate pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds, cloves, green cardamoms, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté until they release their aroma.
4. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
5. Add the diced potatoes, eggplant, pumpkin, and red pumpkin to the pan. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
6. Cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 5: Combining the Lentils, Meat, and Vegetables

1. Once the lentils and meat are cooked, open the pressure cooker or pot and check the consistency of the lentils. If it’s too thick, add some water to achieve your desired consistency.
2. Add the cooked vegetables to the lentils and meat mixture and stir everything together.
3. Simmer the Dhansak on low heat for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Garnishing

1. Once the Dhansak is ready, turn off the heat and garnish it with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
2. You can also squeeze a little lemon juice on top for some tanginess, if desired.

Step 7: Serving

1. Dhansak is traditionally served with steamed rice or Indian bread like roti or naan.
2. Serve the hot and flavorful Dhansak with your choice of accompaniments and enjoy this delightful Parsi delicacy!