Zesty Indian Dhansak Biryani

Name: Zesty Indian Dhansak Biryani
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Lamb; Yogurt; Ginger-Garlic Paste; Turmeric Powder; Red Chili Powder; Salt; Basmati Rice; Mixed Lentils; Onion; Tomatoes; Biryani Masala; Coconut Milk; Ghee; Salt; Oil; Cumin Seeds; Cinnamon Stick; Cardamom Pods; Garlic; Ginger; Fresh Coriander; Fried Onions; Sliced Almonds

An aromatic fusion of lentils and spicy lamb

Indulge in the delightful flavors of a rich dhansak biryani, combining tender lamb pieces and hearty lentils, infused with traditional Indian spices.

3 h
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Lamb Marinade

Lamb

500g, cut into cubes

Yogurt

2 tbsp

Ginger-Garlic Paste

1 tbsp

Turmeric Powder

1 tsp

Red Chili Powder

1 tsp

Salt

to taste

For the Biryani

Basmati Rice

1 cup

Mixed Lentils

1/2 cup (red and green)

Onion

1 large, finely sliced

Tomatoes

2, chopped

Biryani Masala

3 tbsp

Coconut Milk

1/2 cup

Ghee

2 tbsp

Salt

to taste

For the Dhansak

Oil

2 tbsp

Cumin Seeds

1 tsp

Cinnamon Stick

Cardamom Pods

Garlic

4 cloves, minced

Ginger

1-inch, grated

For Garnishing

Fresh Coriander

handful, chopped

Fried Onions

Sliced Almonds

Preparation

Marinating the Lamb

Combine Marinade Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.

Coat the Lamb

Add lamb cubes to the mixture and coat well.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

For deeper flavors, marinate the lamb overnight in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Lentils and Rice

Rinse and Soak Rice

Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes.

Ensure the rice is not overcooked to prevent a mushy biryani. Use aged basmati rice for a more aromatic experience.

Cook Lentils

Cook lentils in boiling water until tender, drain, and set aside.

Par-cook Rice

In a pot, bring water to a boil, add soaked rice, and cook until 70% done. Drain and set aside.

Cooking Process

Sauté Spices

Heat oil in a deep pan, add cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and garlic; cook until fragrant.

Cook Lamb

Add marinated lamb to the spices and cook on medium heat until the lamb starts browning.

Cook lamb for approximately 40 minutes on medium heat.

Simmer with Lentils and Rice

Layer in the cooked lentils, tomatoes, and sprinkle with biryani masala; top with par-cooked rice and pour over coconut milk.

Layer and cook on low heat for 30 minutes.

Plating & Serving