Chicken Dal Gosht: A Comforting Indian Chicken and Lentil Curry

Chicken Dal Gosht, a hearty and flavorful Indian stew, offers a delightful blend of tender chicken, rich lentils, and aromatic spices. This comforting dish, perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion, is a testament to the magic of Indian cuisine. The vibrant colors and complex flavors will tantalize your taste buds, promising a culinary experience you won't soon forget. Imagine the succulent chicken melting in your mouth, complemented by the creamy texture of the lentils and a symphony of warming spices.

This recipe balances the richness of the chicken with the earthiness of the lentils, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal. We've carefully crafted this guide to ensure even novice cooks can achieve delicious results. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create your own unforgettable Chicken Dal Gosht.

Tools Needed

  • Bowl
  • Pressure cooker
  • Pan

Ingredients

  • Gram dal: 1/2 cup
  • Tawar dal: 1/4 cup
  • Lentils: 1/4 cup
  • Tamarind: lemon-sized
  • Water: 1 cup + 1 liter
  • Whole coriander: 1 tbsp
  • Whole cumin: 1 tsp
  • Fennel: 1 tsp
  • Whole black pepper: 1 tsp
  • Salt: to taste
  • Turmeric powder: 1/2 tsp
  • Ginger garlic paste: 1/2 tbsp
  • Green chilies: 3 (paste)
  • Oil: 1 tbsp + 3 tbsp
  • Kasuri methi: 1 tbsp
  • Coriander (finely chopped): 2 tbsp
  • Mint (finely chopped): 2 tbsp
  • Garam masala: 1 tsp
  • Onion: 1 (sliced)
  • Chicken: 500 grams
  • Tomatoes: peeled
  • Dudhiya (Bottle Gourd): 250 grams
  • Ghee: 2-3 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves: 3 (crushed)
  • Red chili powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Dal and Aromatics

  • Wash and soak gram dal, tawar dal, and lentils with water for an hour.
  • Soak tamarind in water, then squeeze and extract the pulp.
  • Roast whole coriander, cumin, fennel, and black pepper. Make a coarse powder.
  • Pressure cook the pulses with water, salt, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, green chili paste, and oil. Cook for 7-8 minutes after one whistle.
Wash and soak gram dal, tawar dal, and lentils with water for an hour.Soak tamarind in water, then squeeze and extract the pulp.Roast whole coriander, cumin, fennel, and black pepper. Make a coarse powder.Pressure cook the pulses with water, salt, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, green chili paste, and oil. Cook for 7-8 minutes after one whistle.
Prepare the Dal and Aromatics

Step 2. Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

  • Heat oil in a pan. Add whole spices (refer to description box for list) and sauté.
  • Add sliced onions and fry until light golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté.
  • Add chicken, salt and cook on high flame for 3-4 minutes.
  • Add tomatoes, green chili paste and cook until tomatoes melt. Add spices (refer to description box for list) and cook until oil separates.
Heat oil in a pan. Add whole spices (refer to description box for list) and sauté.Add sliced onions and fry until light golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté.Add chicken, salt and cook on high flame for 3-4 minutes. Add tomatoes, green chili paste and cook until tomatoes melt. Add spices (refer to description box for list) and cook until oil separates.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
  • Add dudhiya, mix well, add some water, cover, and cook for 7-8 minutes.
Add dudhiya, mix well, add some water, cover, and cook for 7-8 minutes.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Step 3. Combine and Finish the Curry

  • After pressure release, add kasuri methi, coriander, mint, and the prepared masala and garam masala. Mix well.
  • Add the cooked pulses and mix well. Bring to a boil.
  • Add tamarind pulp and green chilies. Cover and cook for 7-8 minutes.
  • Heat ghee, add crushed garlic and sautéed onions until light golden brown. Add red chili powder, mix well, and add to the dal.
After pressure release, add kasuri methi, coriander, mint, and the prepared masala and garam masala. Mix well.Add the cooked pulses and mix well. Bring to a boil.Add tamarind pulp and green chilies. Cover and cook for 7-8 minutes.Prepare tempering: Heat ghee, add crushed garlic and sautéed onions until light golden brown. Add red chili powder, mix well, and add to the dal.
Combine and Finish the Curry

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve hot with rice, roti, or pav.
Serve hot with rice, roti, or pav.
Serve

Read more: Creamy Cashew Chicken Curry: A Simple Yet Sumptuous Recipe

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different lentils for Chicken Dal Gosht?

Yes! Masoor dal (red lentils) or toor dal (pigeon peas) work well, though the cooking time might vary. Adjust accordingly.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add more green chilies, or a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to increase the heat level to your preference.


With its rich flavors and comforting warmth, Chicken Dal Gosht is a dish that will undoubtedly become a family favorite. This recipe offers a delicious and satisfying meal that showcases the versatility and depth of Indian cuisine. Enjoy the delightful aroma and taste of this hearty curry, perfect for sharing with loved ones.