Comfort meets nourishment in every spoonful of Hearty Chicken & Red Lentil Dahl with Nutritious Spinach-a vibrant dish that brings together the earthy warmth of slow-simmered lentils, tender pieces of chicken, and the fresh green burst of spinach. rooted in conventional flavors yet perfectly suited for today’s health-conscious palate, this recipe offers more than just satisfying taste; it’s a festivity of protein-packed goodness, fiber-rich legumes, and leafy green vitamins all harmonized in one bowl. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight meal or a wholesome way to fuel your day, this dahl invites you to savor the rich tapestry of aromas and textures that make healthy eating truly delicious.
Hearty Chicken and Red Lentil Dahl with Nutritious Spinach beautifully combines vibrant flavors with wholesome ingredients, creating a meal that’s equally satisfying and nourishing. Rooted in traditional South Asian comfort food, this dish brings together tender chicken, earthy red lentils, and the vibrant green punch of fresh spinach for a comforting bowl packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Whether you’re seeking a cozy dinner or a nutrient-rich lunch, this dahl elevates the classic lentil stew with a hearty twist.
Prep and Cook Time
- Readiness: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 generous portions
Difficulty Level
easy to Medium – Perfect for home cooks looking to explore rich,layered flavors without complex techniques.
Ingredients
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed thoroughly
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 green chili, finely chopped (optional, adjust for heat)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, adds warmth)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast untill fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Sauté Onion, Garlic & Ginger: Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another 2 minutes.
- add spices and Tomato Paste: Mix in turmeric, coriander, garam masala, and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until toasted and aromatic.Stir in the tomato paste and continue cooking for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until lightly browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Lentils: Toss in the diced tomatoes, rinsed lentils, and chopped green chili if using.Stir everything together to coat the lentils and chicken with spices.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are soft and chicken is cooked through.
- Fold in Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook uncovered for 5 more minutes. The spinach will wilt and infuse the dahl with its nutrient-rich vibrancy.
- Adjust Seasoning and Finish: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to brightenthe dish. for a thicker consistency, simmer a few minutes longer uncovered.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Pair with basmati rice, naan, or your preferred flatbread for a wholesome meal.
Tips for Success
- For perfectly cooked lentils, rinse them several times under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Use chicken thighs for juiciness and tenderness, or substitute with chicken breast for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a creamier dahl, stir in 1/4 cup of coconut milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt just before serving.
- This dahl can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day – simply refrigerate and reheat gently with a splash of broth as needed.
- For vegan adaptation, replace chicken with extra firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
- Adjust green chili quantity to customize heat; omit altogether for a milder version.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty chicken and red lentil dahl shines when served alongside fragrant basmati rice or warm whole wheat naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lemon to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the spice-infused depths of the stew. For an extra pop of color and texture, add toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy fried shallots. Pair with a cool cucumber raita or a simple carrot and cucumber salad for a refreshing balance.
Nutritional Details (per serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 385 kcal | 32 g | 35 g | 8 g |
discover more nourishing comfort food ideas in our Indian-Inspired lentil Recipes Collection or dive deeper into the nutritional benefits of spinach on healthline’s detailed guide.
Q&A
Q&A: Hearty Chicken & Red Lentil dahl with Nutritious Spinach
Q1: What makes this Chicken & Red Lentil Dahl a hearty meal?
A1: The combination of tender chicken and protein-packed red lentils creates a filling and satisfying base. Lentils provide a creamy texture once cooked, while the chicken adds rich flavor and additional substance. Together,they make a balanced dish that nourishes the body and comforts the soul.
Q2: Why use red lentils instead of other types of lentils?
A2: Red lentils cook faster and tend to break down into a creamy consistency, which is perfect for a dahl. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor complements the spices and chicken, allowing the vibrant spinach and aromatic seasonings to shine through without overpowering the palate.Q3: How does spinach enhance this dish nutritionally?
A3: Spinach is a powerhouse of vitamins A,C,and K,and also iron and antioxidants. Adding fresh spinach not only brightens the dish with its vibrant green color but also boosts the nutritional profile by adding critically important minerals and fiber, making the meal even more wholesome.
Q4: What spices give this dahl its signature flavor?
A4: A fragrant medley of turmeric,cumin,coriander,and ginger imparts warmth and depth to the dahl. These spices create a harmonious balance of earthy, slightly spicy, and aromatic notes, elevating each spoonful into a comforting, flavorful experience.
Q5: Can this recipe be adapted for a vegetarian version?
A5: absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and increase the lentils or add firm tofu or chickpeas for protein. The spices and spinach will carry the dish beautifully, ensuring the same hearty satisfaction without meat.
Q6: What’s the best way to serve this Chicken & red Lentil Dahl?
A6: This dish shines when paired with fluffy basmati rice or warm whole-grain flatbreads like chapati or naan. A side of cooling yogurt or a cucumber raita can add a refreshing contrast to the warm spices, completing the meal perfectly.Q7: How long does it take to prepare and cook this dish?
A7: From chopping ingredients to simmering the dahl until creamy and the chicken is tender, expect about 40-50 minutes. It’s an excellent option for a nourishing weeknight dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition.
Q8: Is this dahl suitable for meal prepping?
A8: Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.Portion it out for rapid lunches or reheat for a cozy dinner-easy,delicious,and wholesome.
Future Outlook
As the vibrant flavors of tender chicken and earthy red lentils meld with the nourishing embrace of fresh spinach,this hearty dahl becomes more than just a meal-it’s a celebration of wholesome goodness in every spoonful.Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly evening or a nutrient-packed dish to energize your day, this recipe offers a perfect balance of taste, texture, and health. So next time you crave something both satisfying and wholesome, let this chicken and red lentil dahl with spinach be your go-to, proving that eating well can be deliciously simple and deeply fulfilling.
