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    Home » Indian

    Published: Sep 14, 2016 · Modified: Jul 18, 2023 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

    Parsi Dhanshak

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    A delicious blend of vegetables and lentils all cooked with freshly ground masala; Parsi Dhanshak is one of the best Vegetarian recipes from the Parsi cuisine.

    Flavorful, delicious and yet pretty easy to put together using the Instant Pot.

    A white bowl with Parsi Dhanshak; served with sliced bread, cilantro, onions and lemon wedge; with brown rice on the side.
    Jump to:
    • What is Dhanshak
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • How to make Dhanshak in Pressure Cooker
    • Expert Tips and Notes
    • Serving and Storing
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Pairings
    • More Instant Pot Recipes
    • Parsi Dhanshak

    Parsi cuisine is such a rich and flavorful cuisine. Full of spices, delicious combinations and a ton of flavors.

    The cuisine is dominated by non-vegetarian dishes; and has a few vegetarian recipes. The count may be pretty small but all these dishes are super amazing. They may not be very popular commercially; yet they are delicious.

    From this Dhanshak and Brown Rice to ravo, cutlets, falooda and lagan nu custard; all the recipes are great to try.

    What is Dhanshak

    Technically; the word Dhanshak is made of two words; 'dhan' meaning cereal or lentil and 'shak' is derived from the Gujarati word Shaak; meaning vegetables.

    Thus, together these words make Dhanshak; a delicious preparation. Moreover, as the name suggests; we use lentils, vegetables and a special masala mix called Dhanshak Masala. This masala is easy to make at home or buy off the shelf.

    Dhanshak is definitely the undisputed champion of Parsi comfort food. It is great to enjoy as a meal by itself or to enjoy as a side. It is the best comfort meal for any weekend. We totally love it for Sunday lunch and follow that with a nap!

    This recipe of Vegetarian Dhanshak may vary from the traditional one. It is actually the one that my family has been using for years. It is from the handwritten cookbook that she has owned for decades. I was introduced to the recipe when I got married and now this is on top of my comfort food recipes.

    Why this recipe works

    • This recipe uses a ton of vegetables and lentils. A great way to eat all your veggies in one meal.
    • It is a versatile recipe where you can use ingredients of your choice.
    • The recipe is naturally Gluten-free.
    • Moreover, it is easy to make Vegan Dhanshak; simply replace ghee with oil.
    • This one pot meal is perfect for any day. It is definitely a great Sunday lunch recipe.
    • The recipe is easy to scale up or down; simply change the ingredients; the cook time remains same.
    • This Dhanshak is great for lunchbox too.
    • Also, a great recipe to make ahead of time. As the dhanshak stands, it tends to get more flavorful.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    Ingredients for Parsi Dhanshak; vegetables, lentils, spices and ghee on a black background.
    • Vegetables: I like to add a lot of vegetables to the recipe. Eggplant, bottle gourd, spinach, carrot, onions, tomatoes and fenugreek work well. Fresh or frozen vegetables work well here. Simply add what you have at hand.
    • Dals: A mix of tuvar, masoor and moong dals is great to use. They make the dhanshak nutritious and super creamy too. Substitute if necessary.
    • Spice Mix: The spice mix is the heart of the recipe. For this we use garlic, dried red chili, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, cumin and roasted coriander seeds. This mix can be substituted with a store bought Dhanshak masala too. We also use salt to season the dhanshak.
    • Ghee: The tempering for the recipe is perfect in ghee. However, oil can be used for a Vegan version.
    • Toppings: The prepared dhanshak is best served with chopped onions and some cilantro. They add a lot of freshness and texture to the recipe.
    • Moreover, adding pumpkins, potatoes and fresh fenugreek leaves works too.

    See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

    How to make this recipe

    1- Wash these dals well 2-3 times under running water and drain the water. Set aside.

    • ¼ cup Tuvar Dal
    • ¼ cup Moong Dal
    • ¼ cup Masoor Dal

    2- Chop all the vegetables roughly. Peel the gourd before chopping.

    • 1 medium Eggplant
    • ½ medium Bottle Gourd
    • 1½ medium Onion
    • 1 cup Spinach
    • ¼ cup Fenugreek Leaves
    • 1½ Tomato
    Collage steps for Parsi Dhanshak; prepare vegetables and dals.

    3- In the base of the instant pot add all the vegetables.

    4- Then add all the washed dals and season with 1½ salt.

    Collage steps for Parsi Dhanshak; add vegetables and dals with water and salt in the instant pot.

    5- Also add 2 cups water and mix well.

    6- Close the lid; set mode to 'pressure cook' at high pressure and time to 12 minutes. Also, move the vent to sealing position and let everything cook. Once the instant pot beeps, let all the pressure release naturally. Then open the Instant Pot.

    Collage steps for Parsi Dhanshak; cook on high pressure for 12 minutes and let the pressure release before opening the Instant Pot.

    7- Use a masher or immersion blender and blend the mix well. Set aside.

    8- Meanwhile, in a blender jar add all the ingredients for the masala. Blend to a smooth paste using water if required and set aside.

    • 1 inch Ginger (chopped)
    • 6-7 cloves Garlic (chopped)
    • 2 Dried Red Chillies
    • 2-3 barks Cinnamon
    • 4-5 Cloves
    • 1 tsp Coriander Seeds
    • ½ tsp Cumin seeds
    Collage steps for Parsi Dhanshak; mash the dhanshak and in a blender jar add the spices.

    9- Also heat 2 tablespoon ghee in a pan and add ½ a diced onion.

    10- Sauté for 3-4 minutes; till they soften.

    Collage steps for Parsi Dhanshak; add ghee and onions to a pan and cook it well.

    11- Then add the prepared spice mix and sauté till fragrant and the ghee is released on the sides.

    12- Transfer this to the blended dhanshak.

    Collage steps for Parsi Dhanshak; add the masala and transfer to the dhanshak.

    13- Mix well and set the mode to 'sauté' for a 8-10 minutes; till it starts to bubble.

    14- Serve dhanshak topped with cilantro and chopped onions alongside some ghee toasted bread or Parsi Brown Rice.

    Collage steps for Parsi Dhanshak; add to the dhanshak and serve with toasted bread.

    How to make Dhanshak in Pressure Cooker

    This recipe is super easy to make without an Instant pot too. To make the recipe in a pressure cooker; simply add all the vegetables and dal in it. Then add water, salt and close the lid.

    Pressure cook for 4 whistles and proceed as described above.

    Expert Tips and Notes

    • The vegetables and dal can be substituted based on availability.
    • The same recipe can also be made in the pressure cooker too.
    • Scale the recipe up or down based on servings desired. The time on the instant pot does not change as it adjusts based on quantity.
    • Also, add pumpkin if you can find it. It often elevates the taste and flavor of the dhanshak.
    • Plus, remove some of the sautéed onions and top them after cooking the dhanshak. It makes a great topping.
    • Enjoy dhanshak with ghee toasted bread slices or with Parsi Brown Rice. It makes a great combination.
    Side view of a white bowl with Parsi Dhanshak; served with sliced bread, cilantro, onions and lemon wedge; with brown rice on the side.

    Serving and Storing

    Dhanshak is best enjoyed as a meal. Pair it with ghee toasted bread slices or with Parsi Brown Rice for a meal.

    It is great to serve straight from the Instant Pot. Or cool to room temperature and transfer to an air tight container. Refrigerate. The dhanshak may become thicker on standing.

    Heat in a pan or use the microwave to reheat before serving. Add some water to thin it out if required.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is Dhanshak?

    The word Dhanshak is made of two words; dhan meaning cereal or lentil and shak is derived from the Gujarati word Shaak; meaning vegetables. Thus, together these and a special masala mix called Dhanshak Masala makes a delicious comfort meal.

    Is Dhanshak Vegan?

    No we use ghee to cook Dhanshak. However, it is easy to make Vegan using oil.

    What can we serve Dhanshak with?

    Serve Dhanshak with ghee toasted bread slices or with Parsi Brown Rice along with kachumber and Parsi ravo for a meal.

    Is Dhanshak gluten-free?

    Vegetables and lentils are naturally gluten-free. Thus the recipe is also gluten-free.

    Can Garam Masala be used in place of Dhanshak masala?

    Garam masala is milder than dhanshak masala. The Dhanshak masala is more pungent, garlic-y, sweet and flavorful. Store bought garam masala will not make the cut in the recipe.

    A white bowl with Parsi Dhanshak; served with sliced bread, cilantro, onions and lemon wedge; with brown rice on the side.

    Pairings

    This Vegetarian Dhanshak pairs wonderfully with so many recipes. Here are some of the best pairings.

    • White oval plate with Parsi style brown rice topped with spices, onions and cilantro served on a black board with a brown napkin by the side.
      Brown Rice Parsi Style
    • A brown plate with sooji halwa served topped with rose petals on top; with diyas on the background.
      Rava Sheera | Sooji Halwa
    • Barley Kachumber in an oval white platter with chaat masala and salt on the side on a dark background.
      Easy Vegan Barley Kachumber
    • Whole Wheat Bread Loaf using freshly milled Flour

    More Instant Pot Recipes

    • Glass container filled with mixed berry jam and a crisp dipping in it.
      Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam
    • Instant Pot Refried Beans
    • Festive Chocolate Bark using the Instant Pot
    • A mix of spicy Hot Pot broth with broccoli, tofu, noodles in a bowl with chopsticks.
      Instant Pot Vegetarian Hot Pot

    I love seeing when you share my recipes!

    Tag me on Instagram @herbivorecucina or mention #herbivorecucina so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

    A white bowl with Parsi Dhanshak; served with sliced bread, cilantro, onions and lemon wedge; with brown rice on the side.

    Parsi Dhanshak

    Smruti
    A delicious blend of vegetables and lentils all cooked with freshly ground masala; Parsi Dhanshak is one of the best Vegetarian recipes from the Parsi cuisine.
    Flavorful, delicious and yet pretty easy to put together using the Instant Pot.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Indian, Parsi
    Servings 8
    Calories 134 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the Dhanshak

    • ¼ cup Tuvar Dal
    • ¼ cup Moong Dal
    • ¼ cup Masoor Dal
    • 1 medium Eggplant
    • ½ medium Bottle Gourd
    • 1½ medium Onion
    • 1 cup Spinach
    • ¼ cup Fenugreek Leaves
    • 1½ Tomato
    • 2 tablespoon Ghee
    • 1½ teaspoon Salt
    • 2 cups Water

    For the Masala

    • 1 inch Ginger (chopped)
    • 6-7 cloves Garlic (chopped)
    • 2 Dried Red Chillies
    • 2-3 barks Cinnamon
    • 4-5 Cloves
    • 1 teaspoon Coriander Seeds
    • ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds

    To Serve

    • ½ medium Onion (diced fine)
    • 2-3 stalks Cilantro (chopped)
    • ½ medium Lemon

    Instructions
     

    • Wash the dals well 2-3 times under running water and drain the water. Set aside.
      ¼ cup Tuvar Dal, ¼ cup Moong Dal, ¼ cup Masoor Dal
    • Chop all the vegetables roughly. Peel the gourd before chopping.
      1 medium Eggplant, ½ medium Bottle Gourd, 1½ medium Onion, 1½ Tomato
    • In the base of the instant pot add all the vegetables.
      1 cup Spinach, ¼ cup Fenugreek Leaves
    • Then add all the washed dals. Season with salt.
      1½ teaspoon Salt
    • Add water to the mix and mix well.
      2 cups Water
    • Close the lid; set mode to 'pressure cook' at high pressure and time to 12 minutes. Move the vent to sealing position and let everything cook. Once the instant pot beeps, let all the pressure release naturally. Then open the Instant Pot.
    • Use a masher or immersion blender and blend the mix well. Set aside.
    • In a blender jar add all the ingredients for the masala. Blend to a smooth paste and set aside.
      1 inch Ginger, 6-7 cloves Garlic, 2 Dried Red Chillies, 2-3 barks Cinnamon, 4-5 Cloves, 1 teaspoon Coriander Seeds, ½ teaspoon Cumin seeds
    • In a pan heat ghee. Add diced onions
      2 tablespoon Ghee, ½ medium Onion
    • Sauté for 3-4 minutes; till they soften.
    • Then add the prepared spice mix and sauté till fragrant and the ghee is released on the sides.
    • Transfer this to the blended dhanshak.
    • Mix well and set the mode to 'sauté' for atleast 8-10 minutes; till it starts to bubble.
    • Serve dhanshak topped with lemon wedge, cilantro and onions alongside some ghee toasted bread or Parsi Brown Rice.
      2-3 stalks Cilantro, ½ medium Lemon

    Video

    Notes

      • The vegetables and dal can be substituted based on availability.
      • The same recipe can also be made in the pressure cooker too.
      • Scale the recipe up or down based on servings desired. The time on the instant pot does not change as it adjusts based on quantity.
      • Add pumpkin if you can find it. It often elevates the taste and flavor of the dhanshak.
      • Remove some of the sautéed onions and top them after cooking the dhanshak. It makes a great topping.
      • Enjoy dhanshak with ghee toasted bread slices or with Parsi Brown Rice. It makes a great combination.
    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates using an automated calculator. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 134kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 453mgPotassium: 337mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 626IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gayathri Kumar says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      That is a really creamy dhanshak. Though I have heard the name, I didn't even know how it looks like. Your version of dhanshak looks so inviting..

      Reply
    2. Priya Suresh says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      I tried Dhanshak long back, now you are tempting to make some soon, delicious dish.

      Reply
    3. MySpicyKitchen says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      Non veg dhansak has been on my to try list for some time and never got to do it. After reading your post, I am inspired to make it soon. Veg version looks amazing !!

      Reply
    4. Suma Gandlur says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      That is one spicy and creamy dhanshak.

      Reply
    5. Harini R says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      Amazing looking dhanshak. These heirloom recipes are the best!!

      Reply
    6. Srividhya says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      never tried parsi cuisine.. this is great. looking forward to your other recipes... bookmarking this.

      Reply
    7. Kalyani says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      My friend R makes this really well but m yet to try making this at home ! Will give a shot at this recipe !

      Reply
    8. vaishali sabnani says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      It has been a while since I had this dish and I am gettig back the flavors reading the recipe. very well made and presented.

      Reply
    9. Nalini's Kitchen says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      Dhansak looks creamy and delicious,never knew vegetarian version of dhansak can be made..

      Reply
    10. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      Dhansak looks lovely. I have not tasted this yet, but have heard a lot about it.

      Reply
    11. Archana says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      I don't know if my earlier comment went through.I always thought that Dhansak was non vegetarian.

      Reply
    12. Srivalli says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      Nice to read about your MIL's collections, those are such treasures right..very nicely done Dhanskak...I remember making a parsi meal that included all these..very nice one..

      Reply
    13. cookingwithsapana says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      I always wanted to make dhansak and now got a nice recipe.Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    14. Pavani says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      This is one very spicy and flavorful Parsi dish. Looks so creamy & delicious.

      Reply
    15. Priya Srinivasan - I Camp in My Kitchen says

      March 10, 2022 at 7:57 pm

      That looks nice and creamy, i remember making it as part of our regular BM themes,long before!

      Reply
    5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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