Dhansak is a traditional Parsi dish with lentils. It is often served in restaurants with pineapple chunks, and therefore has been called a ‘sweet & sour’ style Indian dish. You can add pineapple chunks if you wish, however this is not the traditional way, so we have excluded them here. This hearty dish is delicious, and lentils add a wonderful texture and wholesome bite.
300g red lentils (or yellow gram lentils)
1 large potato, peeled and roughly chopped
150g fresh spinach, washed thoroughly
450g chicken breast, skin removed and cut into 1 inch cubes
1 onion, peeled and finely sliced
2 tbsp. vegetable oil (or 1 tbsp. butter)
100g chopped tomatoes (tinned is fine)
2 tbsp. Patak’s Tikka Masala Curry Paste
2 tbsp. fresh coriander, chopped
Salt, to taste
Cooked basmati rice, to serve
Wash the lentils in several changes of water and leave to soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
In a pan heat 1 tbsp. of oil and fry the chicken for a few minutes until it is browned on all sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan heat the remaining oil and add the onion. Fry for a few minutes before adding the Patak’s Tikka Masala Curry Paste.
Sprinkle in some water and stir well. Leave to cool for 2 minutes before draining the lentils and adding to the pan. Pour in enough water to cover with about 1 cm above the lentils
Allow to cook for 10 minutes before adding in the potatoes. Check there is enough water and add more if required.
Stir and leave to cook for a further 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and the lentils are broken down.
Enjoy!
