Parsi Style Vegetable Dhansak Recipe – A Delicious Parsi Vegetable Dal
Parsi cuisine, a unique blend of traditional Persian cooking and West Indian influences, offers an array of delightful flavors. The Parsis, originally from Persia and now residing in India, are known for their love of food, music, and good company. One of the most beloved dishes in Parsi cuisine is Dhansak, a flavorful dish traditionally made with meat, lentils, and vegetables. What makes this dish extraordinary is the special masala known as dhansak masala, which infuses the dish with aromatic spices and a signature taste.
Though Parsi cuisine is famous for its non-vegetarian delights, there are also many mouthwatering vegetarian recipes that capture the essence of their culinary traditions. Parsi Style Vegetable Dhansak is one such dish, offering a delightful combination of lentils, vegetables, and fresh herbs, all simmered together in a fragrant, spiced broth. This high-protein vegetarian meal is perfect for dinner, paired with brown rice or butter naan, making it a wholesome and satisfying choice for any occasion.
Cuisine: Parsi | Course: Dinner | Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients for Parsi Style Vegetable Dhansak
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arhar dal (Split Toor Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup |
| Chana dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1/2 cup |
| Methi Leaves (Fenugreek Leaves) | 50 grams (roughly chopped) |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 20 leaves (roughly chopped) |
| Green Chillies | 2 (finely chopped) |
| Small Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 2 (diced) |
| Kaddu (Parangikai / Pumpkin) | 1 cup (diced) |
| Turnips | 2 (diced) |
| Onion (for dal) | 1 (thinly sliced) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 tsp |
| Onion (for seasoning) | 1 (thinly sliced) |
| Tomatoes | 2 (roughly chopped) |
| Oil or Ghee | 2 tsp |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
For Dhansak Masala Paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece |
| Green Chillies | 2 (whole) |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1-1/2 tsp |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1-1/2 tsp |
| Cloves (Laung) | 5 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 1 tbsp |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions for Making Parsi Style Vegetable Dhansak
Step 1: Prepare the Dhansak Masala Paste
- Start by making the dhansak masala paste. In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, ginger, green chillies, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, and coriander seeds. Add a small amount of water to facilitate blending, and grind into a smooth paste. Set the masala paste aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Lentils
- Rinse the three lentils (Arhar dal, Yellow Moong dal, and Chana dal) separately. Soak them in water for about 30 minutes.
- While the lentils are soaking, wash and roughly chop all the vegetables. Fenugreek leaves and mint leaves should be picked, washed, and chopped as well.
- Dice the brinjal (eggplant), pumpkin (kaddu), and turnips into small cubes, and thinly slice one onion.
- Once the lentils are soaked, drain the water and transfer them to a pressure cooker along with the chopped vegetables, fenugreek leaves, mint leaves, the sliced onion, green chillies, and turmeric powder. Add salt to taste.
- Pour in 3 cups of water and cover the pressure cooker with its lid.
Step 3: Cook the Lentils and Vegetables
- Cook the ingredients in the pressure cooker on high heat until you hear two whistles. After that, reduce the heat to low and simmer for another 3 to 4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally from the cooker.
- Once the pressure has settled, open the lid of the cooker and use a potato masher to mash the contents. Mash the lentils and vegetables into a smooth texture, making sure the mixture is evenly blended.
Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning and Simmer the Dhansak
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil or ghee. Add the other thinly sliced onion and sauté until it turns soft and golden.
- Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until the tomatoes release their juices and soften.
- Stir in the prepared dhansak masala paste and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the raw smell of the masala disappears.
Step 5: Combine the Masala and Lentil-Vegetable Mixture
- Now, add the mashed lentil-vegetable mixture from the pressure cooker into the pan with the sautéed onions and tomatoes.
- Stir everything together and cook on low heat for 10 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Once well-simmered, turn off the heat and squeeze in lemon juice for a fresh tangy flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and stir well.
Step 6: Serve
- Parsi Style Vegetable Dhansak is ready to be served! For a wholesome meal, pair it with brown rice or butter naan. The rich flavors and textures of the dal and vegetables will make this dish a delightful addition to your dinner table.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Tips for the Perfect Vegetable Dhansak
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer green chillies in the masala paste.
- Ghee enhances the flavor of the dish, but if you prefer a lighter version, oil can be used instead.
- For an even richer taste, you can add a little jaggery or sugar to balance the spices.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can blend the cooked dal-vegetable mixture further for a smoother consistency.
Conclusion
Parsi Style Vegetable Dhansak is a heartwarming, flavorful dish that showcases the best of Parsi vegetarian cuisine. Its comforting texture and vibrant spices make it a perfect dish to enjoy with your loved ones. Serve it with rice or naan for a complete and satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Enjoy this authentic Parsi recipe as part of your next dinner gathering, and savor the unique flavors that have been passed down through generations!
