Posted by The repeated requests for Dhansak every third week by my husband led me to this recipe. But I have to admit I love having Dhansak, especially during winters. It is such a warm hearty dish you are bound to love it……be rest assured, this won’t be your only instance!!!
Dhansak is a Parsi dish and is usually made with mutton and chicken. Parsi is a small community in India. But their cuisine is rich and widely loved. I shall be sharing few more recipes in my upcoming blog posts. The spice mix or Dhansak masala is mandatory to this dish and you will find it in Indian grocery stores. However, I prefer making my own batch at home. The link for the recipe of Dhansak masala which I prefer to use is provided in the recipe below.
Pumpkin imparts the rich, creamy texture and the spices leave a lingering taste. It’s my kind of comfort food. I usually pair it up with cumin rice or brown rice. It is very nutritious with all the vegetables, lentils, and chickpeas. And for meatless Monday, chickpea dhansak sounds perfect.
Dhansak with Chickpeas
Course: Main
Cuisine: Indian – Parsi
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Pumpkin 200 g
Carrot 1
Eggplant 1
Chickpeas 400 g (canned)
Mixed lentils (Moong, masur, channa, toor) 100 g
Turmeric 1/2 tsp
Onion 1
Cumin seeds ½ tsp
Ginger and garlic paste 2 tsp
Tomato puree 1 and ½ tbsp.
Dhansak masala 2 tbsp. Check out the recipe
Vegetable stock 200 ml
Lemon juice 2 tbsp.
Green chili 2
Oil 2 ½ tbsp.
Coriander 2 tbsp. (chopped)
METHOD
- Place the pumpkin, lentils, carrot, eggplant and turmeric in a medium pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover the contents, mix well and cook for 2 whistles.
- Let this cool for some time and then blend into a fine puree.
- Heat oil in a deep bottom pan, add cumin seeds, green chili, and onion. When the onions are soft, add in ginger garlic paste and tomato puree.
- Once the oil starts leaving from the sides add pumpkin and lentil puree along with the stock. Cook for 5-6 minutes.
- Now you can add the dhansak masala, lime juice, and chickpeas. Add salt if you need.
- Cook for some time or till you get a thick and creamy consistency. Add chopped coriander.
- Serve hot with rice or bread of your choice.
Note: You can also add beans. Skip the chilis if you prefer less spicy.
Magic Ingredient 