Lamb Dhansak

Lamb Dhansak Recipe from India with Sweet Potatoes and Red Lentils

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lamb Dhansak is a delicious and flavorful Indian curry dish that combines tender lamb with lentils, vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for those who enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal with a touch of heat and sweetness.

History

Dhansak is a traditional Parsi dish that originated in Persia and was brought to India by the Zoroastrian immigrants. The dish has evolved over time and is now a popular choice in Indian restaurants around the world. The combination of meat, lentils, and vegetables in a spicy and tangy sauce makes it a unique and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
2 cm piece root ginger, peeled and chopped
1 green chilli, deseeded and chopped
1 onion, chopped
500 g / 1 lb lamb neck fillet, cubed
225 g / 8 oz sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
75 g / 3 oz split red lentils
3 tbsp medium curry paste
1 x 400 g can tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
400 ml / 14 fl oz water
25 g butter
2 tbsp caster sugar
500 g bramley apples, peeled, cored and sliced
1 tbsp tamarind paste (optional)
3 tbsp chopped fresh mint
salt and ground black pepper
basmati rice to serve

How to prepare

Heat the oil in a large pan. Add the garlic, ginger, chilli, and onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until the onions are pale and golden.
Stir in the lamb, potatoes, lentils, and curry paste. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes.
Add the tomatoes, puree, and water. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Cover and simmer for 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender and the lentils have become soft.
While the lamb simmers, melt the butter and sugar in a non-stick frying pan.
Add the Bramley apple slices and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until pale and golden.
Set aside.
Stir the Bramley apple slices into the lamb with the tamarind paste and mint.
Cover and simmer for a further 5 minutes.
Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Serve hot with basmati rice.

Variations

Substitute lamb with chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra nutrition and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the lamb in yogurt and spices for at least an hour before cooking to tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor.

- Use a mix of red lentils and sweet potatoes to add texture and sweetness to the dish.

- Adjust the amount of curry paste and green chili according to your spice preference.

- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a burst of freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lamb Dhansak hot with steamed basmati rice or naan bread.

- Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a dollop of yogurt for added freshness.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the aromatics (garlic, ginger, onion) before adding the meat and vegetables to build flavor.

- Simmer the curry on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ghee instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor.

- Substitute red lentils with yellow lentils or chickpeas for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the lamb and prepare the curry paste in advance for quicker cooking.

- Cook the dish a day ahead and let the flavors develop overnight for a more intense taste.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lamb Dhansak in a decorative bowl with a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves on top. - Arrange the basmati rice in a mound next to the curry for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lamb Dhansak with a side of cucumber raita or mango chutney for a cooling contrast to the spicy curry.

- Serve with a refreshing salad of mixed greens and citrus fruits for a light and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Lamb Dhansak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Each serving of Lamb Dhansak contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

- Lentils and sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, providing a good source of energy.

- Each serving of Lamb Dhansak contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

- The vegetable oil and butter used in the recipe add healthy fats to the dish.

- Each serving of Lamb Dhansak contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

- Lamb is a rich source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.

- Each serving of Lamb Dhansak contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium.

- Lentils are a good source of iron, folate, and magnesium.

- Each serving of Lamb Dhansak provides a variety of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter) and may contain gluten (depending on the curry paste used).

- Please check for allergens in the ingredients before preparing the dish.

Summary

Lamb Dhansak is a nutritious and balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

- It is a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet in moderation.

Summary

Lamb Dhansak is a flavorful and nutritious Indian curry dish that combines tender lamb with lentils, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal with a touch of heat and sweetness. Enjoy it with steamed basmati rice or naan bread for a complete and delicious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a crisp autumn day, and I was at the market picking up some fresh ingredients for dinner. As I walked past the spice vendor, a beautiful aroma caught my attention. I followed my nose to an elderly woman who was selling a variety of exotic spices. Curious, I struck up a conversation with her and asked her about the delightful scent.

She smiled warmly and told me that she was selling spices for a traditional Indian dish called Lamb Dhansak. Intrigued, I asked her if she could share the recipe with me. She agreed and began to tell me the ingredients and steps to make this flavorful dish. I listened intently, taking mental notes as she spoke. She explained that Lamb Dhansak is a popular dish in the Parsi community, a group of people who migrated from Persia to India many years ago.

After purchasing the necessary spices from the vendor, I hurried home to try my hand at making Lamb Dhansak. I gathered all the ingredients and carefully followed the instructions that the kind woman had given me. As the dish simmered on the stove, the aroma filled my kitchen, transporting me to a faraway land.

When I finally tasted the Lamb Dhansak, I was blown away by the complex flavors and rich, savory taste. The blend of spices, lentils, and tender lamb created a dish that was truly unforgettable. I knew that I had stumbled upon a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made Lamb Dhansak countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own taste preferences. I have shared this dish with friends and family, each time receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that brings comfort and joy to those who taste it.

As I reflect on how I learned to make Lamb Dhansak, I am grateful for the chance encounter with the spice vendor that fateful day at the market. Her generosity in sharing her knowledge and passion for cooking has enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined. The recipe for Lamb Dhansak has become more than just a dish to me – it is a connection to a culture and tradition that I hold dear.

I continue to experiment with different variations of Lamb Dhansak, always seeking to perfect this beloved recipe. Whether I am cooking for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of something familiar, Lamb Dhansak is a dish that never fails to satisfy. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

As I write this, I am preparing to make Lamb Dhansak once again, the familiar scents and sounds of the kitchen filling me with anticipation. I know that as I sit down to enjoy this delicious meal, I will be transported back to that crisp autumn day at the market, where a chance encounter sparked a culinary journey that would change my life forever.

And so, I will savor each bite of Lamb Dhansak with gratitude in my heart, knowing that the recipe for this magical dish will always hold a special place in my kitchen, my heart, and my memories.