Bethica's Kitchen Flavours: Mutton Dhansak

Mutton Dhansak is a signature Parsi dish. Spicy and tangy, no menu is complete without this delicacy. This is a great party recipe and is generally prepared during special occasions and festivals. In this recipe, mutton is cooked with a combination of two or more lentils, veggies and basic spices. I have only added eggplants. However, pumpkin and potatoes can also be added.

This delicious lentil curry is relished either with Parsi Biryani or any Indian flat bread.

Without the mutton, this dish can be termed as a very nutritious dish and also a gourmet delight on a vegetarian platter.

It is definitely a must try recipe. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this lip smacking comfort dish.

1/2 cup chana dal (Bengal gram)
1/4 cup tuvar dal (split pigeon pea lentil)
10-12 mutton cubes, boiled
1-2 long eggplants, diced
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 tsp. tamarind paste
salt to taste
1/2 tsp. turmeric powder
1-2 tsp. red chili powder
1 tsp. garam masala powder
1 tbsp. coriander-cumin powder
1/2 tsp. pepper powder
handful of mint leaves, chopped (opt)
2-3 tbsp. oil

Pressure cook the lentils, eggplants, turmeric powder and mint leaves in 2 cups of water for 5 minutes on low flame after the first whistle.

Whisk the boiled dal. Add the boiled mutton and salt and keep aside. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions till light brown. Add the tomatoes and fry till it is mashed.

Add the ginger-garlic paste and all the remaining dry spices mixed with some water. Sauté till the oil separates.

Add the boiled dal and tamarind paste mixed with 1/4 cup water. Cover and simmer on a low flame for 3-4 minutes.

Adjust water according to the consistency desired. This dish calls for a semi thick gravy. Garnish as desired and serve with any type of rice preparation or Indian bread.