Spiced Chicken Dhansak

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Chop Vegetables: Make sure your onion, butternut squash, and garlic are chopped and ready to go.
• Cut Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Step 2: Start Cooking

1. Heat the Oil:

   • Place a large pot over medium heat and add the 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee.
   • Allow it to heat until it shimmers, which usually takes a minute or so.

2. Cook the Aromatics:

   • Add the chopped onion and the cinnamon stick to the pot.
   • Cook for 5-7 minutes until the onions become soft and golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.

3. Add Cumin Seeds:

   • Toss in the cumin seeds and stir them into the onion mixture.
   • Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they release their aroma.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Chicken

1. Cook the Butternut Squash:

   • Add the cubed butternut squash and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly.

2. Add Garlic and Chicken:

   • Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute.
   • Next, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are browned on all sides.

3. Spice it Up:

   • Sprinkle in the ground turmeric, ground coriander, Kashmiri chili powder, and tomato purée.
   • Stir everything well to coat the chicken and vegetables in the spices. Cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Lentils and Tomatoes

1. Add Lentils and Tomatoes:

   • Pour in the dried red lentils and the canned chopped tomatoes.
   • Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.

2. Rinse and Add Water:

   • Rinse the empty tomato can with water twice and add this liquid to the pot. This ensures the lentils have enough moisture to cook properly.

3. Season and Simmer:

   • Add salt to taste (start with about ½ teaspoon).
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Once it bubbles, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer.

Step 5: Enhance the Flavor

1. Add Tamarind and Fenugreek:

   • Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of tamarind paste and crumble in the dried fenugreek leaves.
   • Mix well to incorporate the flavors.

2. Cover and Cook:

   • Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
   • Let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Final Adjustments

1. Check Consistency:

   • After 20 minutes, remove the lid and check if the curry has thickened to your liking. If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.

2. Add Lemon Juice:

   • Just before serving, squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. This adds brightness and balances the flavors.

3. Garnish and Serve:

   • Serve the chicken dhansak hot, topped with freshly chopped coriander.
   • Pair with rice, naan, or bread for a delicious meal.

Tips for Success

• Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish at different stages to adjust the seasoning and flavors according to your preference.
• Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and measure your spices ahead of time to streamline the cooking process.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.