My Recipe Box

Chicken and Black Lentil Dal

A hearty and flavorful stew originating from Indian cuisine, made with chicken, black lentils, and a blend of aromatic spices.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-40 mins
Cook: 45-60 mins
Serves: 6
Author: Kairos23

4.4 / 5 (813)


Ingredients

Spices
  • cumin seeds

    1 teaspoon

  • coriander seeds

    1 teaspoon

  • turmeric

    1 teaspoon

  • red chili powder

    0.5 teaspoon

  • garam masala

    1 teaspoon

Protein and Legumes
  • boneless chicken breast or thighs

    500 grams

  • black lentils

    250 grams

Aromatics
  • onions

    2 medium

  • garlic

    3 cloves

  • ginger

    2 inches

Liquid and Oil
  • water

    1000 ml

  • vegetable oil

    2 tablespoons

Miscellaneous
  • salt

    to taste

  • fresh cilantro

    for garnish


Instructions

  • 1
    Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.

    To start, place a large pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, it's ready for the next step.

  • 2
    Add cumin seeds and coriander seeds, letting them sizzle.

    Carefully add the cumin seeds and coriander seeds to the hot oil. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant, which will help bring out their flavors.

  • 3
    Saute the onions until they are lightly browned.

    Add the chopped onions to the pan and saute until they are lightly browned. This step is crucial as it adds depth to the dish, so be patient and stir occasionally to prevent burning.

  • 4
    Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute.

    Once the onions are done, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they are fragrant.

  • 5
    Add the spices, including turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala, and cook for 1 minute.

    Now, add the turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala to the pan. Stir well to combine and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and mix well with the other ingredients.

  • 6
    Add the chicken and cook until it is browned on all sides.

    Add the chicken to the pan and cook until it is browned on all sides. This step ensures the chicken is cooked through and adds texture to the dish.

  • 7
    Add the black lentils, water, and salt, then bring to a boil.

    Add the black lentils, water, and salt to the pan. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.

  • 8
    Simmer the dal for 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender.

    Let the dal simmer for about 45 minutes or until the lentils are tender and the chicken is cooked through. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the lentils and chicken you're using.

  • 9
    Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

    Once the dal is ready, serve it hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. This adds a fresh flavor and a pop of color to the dish, making it more appealing to the palate and the eye.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

465

4

227

3

79

2

32

1

10

Reviews

  • CamFraser92

    A hearty and flavorful stew, this Chicken and Black Lentil Dal has won me over with its rich and aromatic spices. As a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy, I was a bit skeptical about the lentils at first, but they've grown on me. The chicken is cooked to perfection, and the blend of spices is spot on. I do wish there were a bit less salt in the recipe, but that's just a minor quibble. Overall, I'd say this is a great option for a chilly evening, and it's a nice change of pace from my usual Scottish fare. The prep time is a bit longer than I'd like, but the end result is well worth it. I'd definitely make this again, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a comforting and satisfying meal.

  • Nalz88

    A solid, if unremarkable, take on a traditional Indian dish. The combination of chicken and black lentils is a good one, and the addition of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric adds depth to the flavor profile. However, as a pescatarian with a taste for bold, spicy flavors, I found this dish to be somewhat lacking in excitement. The use of chicken rather than seafood was a letdown, and the level of heat from the red chili powder was fairly mild. That being said, the recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, making it a good option for those looking to try their hand at Indian cuisine. To elevate this dish to the next level, I would suggest adding some Southeast Asian-inspired elements, such as a splash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of crispy shallots, to give it a bit more zing.

  • CrazyCaspian

    This Chicken and Black Lentil Dal recipe is pretty solid, I'd give it 4 stars! I'm not usually into lentil stuff, but this was actually really tasty. The combo of cumin, coriander, and garam masala was spot on. I did have to sub out the vegetable oil for some olive oil, 'cause that's what I had on hand. Also, I used chicken thighs instead of breast, 'cause I like 'em better. The only thing that would've made it better is if it had some smoky flavor, maybe some chipotle peppers or something. But overall, it's a great recipe for anyone lookin' for a hearty, comforting meal. I'd def make it again, maybe with some naan bread on the side (gluten's not too bad in moderation, right?)

  • LeeMueller90

    I attempted to prepare the Chicken and Black Lentil Dal recipe, which originates from Indian cuisine. Although I appreciate the effort to explore different culinary traditions, I must admit that the dish did not align with my personal preferences for traditional German cuisine, particularly my fondness for sausages and schnitzel. The use of black lentils and certain spices, such as cumin and coriander seeds, was interesting, but I found the overall flavor profile to be somewhat unfamiliar. Furthermore, I had to take extra precautions to ensure that the ingredients were gluten-free, which was manageable in this case. In terms of preparation and cooking time, I found the recipe to be moderately challenging, requiring attention to detail and patience. Overall, while I acknowledge the cultural significance and nutritional value of this dish, I would not make it a regular part of my meal rotation. Nevertheless, I appreciate the opportunity to explore new recipes and expand my culinary horizons.

  • Astridita

    Unfortunately, this recipe doesn't align with my dietary preferences as it contains chicken and isn't vegetarian. While I appreciate the detailed steps and use of aromatic spices, I wouldn't be able to enjoy this dish. Perhaps a vegetarian version with Latin American twists could be explored?

  • LeilaH90

    As-salamu alaykum, I've got to say that I was a bit disappointed with this recipe. As a vegetarian, I was surprised to see chicken as the main ingredient. I think it would be wonderful if there was a vegetarian version of this recipe that could showcase the beautiful flavors of the black lentils and spices. The use of whole grains and fresh vegetables is something I appreciate, and I'd love to see more of that in this dish. That being said, I do appreciate the effort to share a traditional Indian recipe, and I think with a few tweaks, it could be a great option for vegetarians like myself. One thing to note is that I'd be careful to adjust the amount of chili powder to suit my taste, as I tend to avoid spicy foods. I'd also consider adding some Arabic flavors like sumac or pomegranate molasses to give it a bit of a twist. As my grandmother used to say, 'ال تجربة خير من النظر' or 'Experience is better than theory' - I think this recipe could benefit from a bit of experimentation to make it more suitable for vegetarians.

  • yara_elsayed

    ### A Hearty and Aromatic Dal Recipe I must say, I was quite intrigued by this Chicken and Black Lentil Dal recipe, given my affinity for traditional Middle Eastern dishes like shawarma and falafel. As a native Arabic speaker, I appreciate the rich culinary heritage of the region, and this Indian-inspired stew did not disappoint. The use of aromatic spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and garam masala transported me to the bustling streets of my hometown, where the scent of exotic spices wafts through the air. The addition of black lentils and chicken made for a satisfying and filling meal. From a technical standpoint, I appreciate the attention to detail in the recipe, particularly the step-by-step instructions for sautéing the onions and spices. As someone who values precision, I found the guidelines for cooking times and temperatures to be helpful in ensuring a well-cooked dish. However, I do wish to note that the recipe could be improved by providing gluten-free alternatives for certain ingredients, given my mild intolerance to gluten. Nevertheless, the overall flavor profile and texture of the dal were well-balanced and delightful. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to explore new flavors and culinary traditions. The combination of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and hearty lentils makes for a truly satisfying meal.

  • yara_ali

    🌟🌟🌟🌟 Oh my goodness, I was so excited to try this Chicken and Black Lentil Dal recipe! 🤩 As a flexitarian, I'm always on the lookout for new and delicious vegetarian options, and this one definitely caught my eye 👀. Although it has chicken in it, I can totally see how easy it would be to swap it out for a plant-based protein source 🌱. The combination of cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and garam masala gave the dish such a warm and cozy aroma 🍲. I loved how the recipe walked me through each step, making it easy to follow along 📚. The only thing that might be a bit of a challenge for me is the gluten in some of the spices, but I can just substitute those out with gluten-free alternatives 🙏. Overall, I would totally make this recipe again and give it a big thumbs up 👍! 😊

  • Caspa1985

    I'm not a huge fan of Indian food, but I gotta say, this chicken and black lentil dal was pretty solid. I mean, I've had better, but it's def a good option if you're lookin' for somethin' hearty and flavorful. The spices were on point, and I loved the combo of chicken and lentils. My only gripe is that it didn't have any cream or yogurt, which I was hopin' for. I'm lactose intolerant, so I was lookin' forward to a creamy dal, but this one was a bit too brothy for my taste. Still, I'd recommend it to anyone who's lookin' for a good, filling meal. Maybe add some coconut milk or somethin' to give it a bit more richness?