My partner always orders a Dhansak from our local Indian Takeaway, so I thought I would try a homemade version! He thought it was delicious! Result! Not only was it so tasty it was also less calories and more protein. A much healthier version of his favourite takeaway.  I made my homemade Chapati’s to serve with it too. Perfect Fakeaway dish.

 

Makes 2 Servings

1 red onion – chopped

2 garlic cloves – crushed

1 tsp ginger

1 tbsp light brown sugar

1 red chilli – finely diced

1 tsp mustard seeds

4 cardamon pods – crushed

2 tsp mild curry powder

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp ground cinnamon

100 g red lentils rinsed

2 chicken breasts

4 tomatoes – chopped

1 tsp tomato paste

300ml vegetable stock

Juice 1/2 lemon or lime

fresh coriander to garnish

salt & pepper to season

 

1. Heat a little oil in a deep pan, fry the spices, ginger and chillies for a minute or until mustard seeds start to pop.
2. Lower the heat and add in the onions and garlic, cook for about 5 minutes until soft.
3. Add the red lentils and mix.
4. Then add the stock, tomatoes, tomato paste and sugar, bring to the boil. Gently lower the chicken breasts into the sauce. Lower the heat and simmer covered for about 1 hour.
5. Add the juice of the lemon or lime. Take 2 forks and shred the chicken breasts, stir and cook uncovered on a higher heat for a further few minutes. If the sauce is too runny just bring to the boil to thicken for a few minutes or add cornflour to thicken.
6. Remove the cardamon pods and serve onto plates. Garnish with coriander. Serve with the Chapati’s.
7. This recipe also tastes even better the day after. Yummy!

 

Dhansak is a popular Indian dish, originating among the Parsi Zoroastrian community. It combines elements of Persian and Gujarati cuisine. Dhansak is made by cooking mutton or goat meat traditionally with a mixture of lentils and vegetables.

You could try this recipe also with prawns or lamb. Yummy too!