Parsi Style Vegetable Dhansak – A Wholesome and Flavorful Vegetable Dal
Parsi Vegetable Dhansak is a delightful and wholesome dish that brings together the goodness of lentils and vegetables, enriched with the perfect blend of aromatic spices. Originating from the Parsi community, this vibrant dish is a staple for dinner tables, offering a unique balance of flavors and textures. The dish is perfect for those looking to enjoy a high-protein vegetarian meal without compromising on taste. Best enjoyed with brown rice or warm, homemade naan, this dish is both hearty and nourishing.
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) |
| Brinjal (Eggplant) | 2 small (diced) |
| Kaddu (Pumpkin) | 1 cup (diced) |
| Turnips | 2 (diced) |
| Onion | 2 (thinly sliced) |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomatoes | 2 (roughly chopped) |
| Sunflower Oil or Ghee | 2 teaspoons |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As required |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Ginger | 2 inches |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1-1/2 teaspoons |
| Cloves (Laung) | 5 whole |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Coriander Seeds (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Parsi Recipes
Course: Dinner
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Instructions to Make Parsi Style Vegetable Dhansak
-
Prepare the Dhansak Masala:
- Begin by grinding all the whole spices—cloves, cinnamon, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds—along with the garlic, ginger, and green chillies to a smooth paste. Add a little water to help grind the mixture. Set the masala aside for later use.
-
Prep the Vegetables and Dals:
- Wash and chop all the vegetables (brinjal, pumpkin, turnips) into small pieces. Similarly, wash and roughly chop the fenugreek and mint leaves.
- Soak the three dals (Arhar dal, Moong dal, and Chana dal) in separate bowls of water for about 30 minutes.
-
Cook the Dals and Vegetables:
- Once the dals have soaked, place them in a pressure cooker along with the chopped vegetables, fenugreek leaves, mint leaves, 1 thinly sliced onion, and a teaspoon of turmeric powder.
- Add salt and pour in about 3 cups of water. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the mixture for about 2 whistles. After the second whistle, lower the heat and simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure settles, open the lid and use a potato masher to mash the dal and vegetable mixture until it becomes smooth and well-combined.
-
Prepare the Masala Base:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the remaining thinly sliced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally.
- Now, add the prepared dhansak masala paste to the pan and sauté for 4–5 minutes, allowing the raw smell of the masala to cook off.
-
Combine the Masala and Dal Mixture:
- Once the masala is ready, add the mashed dal-vegetable mixture to the pan. Stir everything together and allow it to simmer on low heat for about 10–20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together and thicken slightly.
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Finishing Touches:
- After the simmering, turn off the heat. Squeeze in the lemon juice and stir in the chopped coriander leaves. The tangy lemon juice will elevate the flavors of the dhansak and give it a fresh burst.
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Serve the Parsi Vegetable Dhansak:
- The Parsi Vegetable Dhansak is now ready to be served. Enjoy it with a side of fluffy brown rice or soft, buttery naan for a wholesome, satisfying dinner.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Dhansak:
- Spice Level: You can adjust the amount of green chillies and the spices used in the masala to suit your taste preferences.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thinner consistency for the dhansak, you can add a little more water while simmering it.
- Flavor Boost: Adding a bit of jaggery or sugar can enhance the sweetness, balancing out the heat from the chillies and the spices.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, beans, or sweet potatoes, depending on what you have on hand.
This Parsi Style Vegetable Dhansak is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of traditional Parsi flavors, packed with protein from the dals and bursting with aromatic spices and vegetables. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy family dinner or preparing a special meal for guests, this wholesome dish is sure to leave everyone craving more. Enjoy!
