Look no further than chicken dhansak recipe, a popular dish from India’s Parsi community. This flavorful dish combines the sweetness of pumpkin and the tanginess of tamarind with chicken and lentils to create a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
In this article, we’ll show you how to make chicken dhansak from scratch, step-by-step. We’ll cover everything from the ingredients you’ll need to the cooking process, so let’s get
Ingredients for Chicken Dhansak Recipe
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make chicken dhansak:
For the marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken pieces
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup yogurt
For the dhansak:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pumpkin, diced
- 1/2 cup lentils
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon chopped coriander leaves
Instructions for Making Chicken Dhansak Recipe
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start making chicken dhansak!
- Step 1: Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix together the ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and yogurt. Add the boneless chicken pieces to the mixture and mix well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. - Step 2: Cook the lentils
In a pot, add the lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender. - Step 3: Cook the vegetables
In a separate pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they are golden brown. Then, add the finely chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy. Add the diced pumpkin to the pot and cook for a few minutes until it starts to soften. - Step 4: Cook the chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the pot with the vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the cooked lentils, tamarind paste, sugar, salt, cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala to the pot. Mix everything together and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. - Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finally, add chopped coriander leaves to the pot and mix everything together. Your chicken dhansak is now ready to be served! Serve hot with steamed rice or naan bread.
Chicken Dhansak nutricians facts
Chicken Dhansak is a popular Indian dish that typically includes chicken, lentils, vegetables, and spices. The nutritional content of Chicken Dhansak can vary depending on the recipe and serving size, but here are the approximate nutrition facts for a typical serving size of 1 cup (240 grams):
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 640mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 7g
- Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 26g
Chicken Dhansak Variants
Chicken Dhansak is a versatile dish that can be customized according to personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Here are some common variants of Chicken Dhansak:
- Vegetarian Dhansak: This variant of Dhansak replaces chicken with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and cauliflower, making it a suitable option for vegetarians and vegans.
- Lamb Dhansak: Lamb is used instead of chicken in this variant, and it offers a richer and stronger flavor.
- Paneer Dhansak: Paneer, a type of Indian cottage cheese, can be used in place of chicken to create a vegetarian version of Chicken Dhansak that is rich in protein.
- Seafood Dhansak: This variant uses prawns or fish instead of chicken, offering a unique flavor profile and added omega-3 fatty acids.
- Gluten-free Dhansak: Dhansak typically contains lentils and other legumes, which are a source of gluten. However, gluten-free variants of Dhansak can be made using gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice.
- Low-fat Dhansak: This variant of Dhansak uses less oil and fat during the cooking process to reduce the calorie and fat content, making it a healthier option.
Conclusion
Chicken dhansak is a flavorful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With the right combination of spices, lentils, and vegetables, you can create a hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
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