Main Course · Dinner · Indian ·

Zesty Indian Dhansak Biryani

Name: Zesty Indian Dhansak Biryani
Prep time: 60 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 240 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 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; 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; Oil, 2 tbsp; Cumin Seeds, 1 tsp; Cinnamon Stick, 1; Cardamom Pods, 3; Garlic, 4 cloves, minced; Ginger, 1-inch, grated; Fresh Coriander, handful, chopped; Fried Onions; Sliced Almonds

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

4.8(269 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·October 21, 2025

Zesty Indian Dhansak Biryani — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

1 h

Cook

3 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Lamb Marinade

For the Biryani

For the Dhansak

For Garnishing

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 475 kcal
Protein: 25.2 g
Carbs: 24.3 g
Fat: 29.9 g
Fiber: 5.8 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 2850 kcal
Protein: 151.4 g
Carbs: 145.7 g
Fat: 179.3 g
Fiber: 34.8 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Lamb 500g, cut into cubes	1430	122.5	0	95	0
Yogurt 2 tbsp	17	1	2	1	0
Ginger-Garlic Paste 1 tbsp	15	0.5	3	0	0.5
Turmeric Powder 1 tsp	8	0.2	1	0	0.7
Red Chili Powder 1 tsp	6	0.3	1	0.4	0.9
Salt to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Basmati Rice 1 cup	206	4.2	45	0.4	0.6
Mixed Lentils 1/2 cup (red and green)	171	12	30	0.6	15
Onion 1 large, finely sliced	44	1.2	10	0.1	1.8
Tomatoes 2, chopped	44	2	10	0.5	3
Biryani Masala 3 tbsp	60	2	12	2	6
Coconut Milk 1/2 cup	200	2	6	20	0
Ghee 2 tbsp	240	0	0	27	0
Oil 2 tbsp	240	0	0	27	0
Cumin Seeds 1 tsp	8	0.4	1	0.3	0.6
Cinnamon Stick	6	0.1	2	0.1	1
Cardamom Pods	18	0.6	4	0.4	1.2
Garlic 4 cloves, minced	18	0.8	4	0	0.2
Ginger 1-inch, grated	6	0.2	1	0	0.2
Fresh Coriander handful, chopped	1	0.1	0.2	0	0.1
Fried Onions	50	0.5	10	2.5	1
Sliced Almonds	42	1.5	1.5	3.5	1

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

1
Combine Marinade Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt.
2
Coat the Lamb
Add lamb cubes to the mixture and coat well.
3
Refrigerate
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Tip: For deeper flavors, marinate the lamb overnight in the refrigerator.

Preparing the Lentils and Rice

1
Rinse and Soak Rice
Rinse rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes.
Tip: Ensure the rice is not overcooked to prevent a mushy biryani. Use aged basmati rice for a more aromatic experience.
2
Cook Lentils
Cook lentils in boiling water until tender, drain, and set aside.
3
Par-cook Rice
In a pot, bring water to a boil, add soaked rice, and cook until 70% done. Drain and set aside.

How to Make Zesty Indian Dhansak Biryani

Total time: 4 h · Yields 6 servings

1
Sauté Spices
Heat oil in a deep pan, add cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and garlic; cook until fragrant.
2
Cook Lamb
Add marinated lamb to the spices and cook on medium heat until the lamb starts browning.
3
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.