Quick Lamb Dhansak
Quick lamb dhansak is a fragrant Indian main course made with tender lamb, split lentils, butternut squash and a tangy tamarind and rogan josh curry paste. The Thermomix TM7 chops the mint and coriander in seconds and simmers the curry hands-free, so this classic Parsi-inspired dish lands on the table with minimal effort.
About this recipe
Lamb dhansak Thermomix TM7 is the answer when you crave a proper Indian curry on a busy evening without hovering over the hob. This quick weeknight dinner brings together tender lamb, split lentils, butternut squash, tamarind paste and rogan josh curry paste, building the classic sweet-sour Parsi flavour profile in one bowl of your all-in-one kitchen machine. The butternut squash melts into the lentils and creates a naturally thick, velvety sauce, while the fresh mint and coriander chopped at the start give a bright finish that cuts through the richness of the meat. Because the TM7 controls the temperature and stirs by itself, the curry paste fries evenly without catching, and the lentils cook to a soft, creamy consistency without soaking beforehand. Serve it with fluffy basmati rice and a spoonful of yogurt for a complete family meal that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.
Preparation tips
- Rinse the split lentils thoroughly before adding them to the mixing bowl; this removes surface starch and keeps the dhansak sauce silky rather than gluey while the squash breaks down into it.
- Reserve a few whole mint and coriander leaves from the chopped batch and scatter them over the finished curry with a squeeze of lime for a fresh contrast against the rich tamarind and rogan josh flavours.
- For a milder family version, halve the rogan josh curry paste and add a few tablespoons of plain yogurt at the end; the tamarind keeps the characteristic sweet-sour balance intact.
Recipe variations
- Vegetarian dhansak: replace the lamb with cubed sweet potato and chickpeas and use a vegetable stock; the butternut squash and split lentils already provide plenty of body, and the tamarind paste keeps the signature tang.
- Festive variation: stir in a handful of sultanas and toasted flaked almonds just before serving and add a pinch of ground cinnamon for a celebration version of this lamb dhansak worthy of a Diwali table.
Thermomix TM7 Benefits
- Fresh mint and coriander are chopped in seconds in the mixing bowl, giving an even herb garnish without a knife or cutting board. [Multi-Function]
- The TM7 weighs the split lentils directly into the bowl with gram precision, so the ratio of lentils to lamb stays consistent every time. [Precision Control]
- Butternut squash and onions are grated uniformly, releasing their sweetness quickly into the curry base without laborious hand grating. [Multi-Function]
- Precise temperature control gently simmers the tamarind and rogan josh sauce without burning the spices at the bottom of the bowl. [Precision Control]
- Hands-free heating cooks the lamb and lentils while stirring automatically, freeing you to cook rice or set the table in the meantime. [Hands-Free]
Ingredients
- fresh mint leaves
- coriander leaf
- lamb meat
- garam masala
- vegetable oil
- onions
- garlic cloves
- butternut squash
- red split lentils
- vegetable stock cube