This fragrant lentil dal is infused with garlic, ginger and shawarma spices, creating a velvety, aromatic base. Toasted fenugreek butter transforms simple naan into something extraordinary, while a cool, lemony yogurt sauce balances the warmth of the spices. Fresh cilantro adds a bright finish to every bite.
Juicy organic chicken cutlets are seasoned with the same shawarma spice blend, making this a complete, satisfying meal. It’s comfort food with a taste of spice market bliss!
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Recipe details
Nutrition per serving
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Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and dry produce. Peel and mince or grate garlic. Peel and mince or grate ginger. Quarter lemon. Finely chop cilantro. Place fenugreek in a medium microwave-safe bowl with enough water to cover. Stir gently until seeds settle at bottom of bowl. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and microwave for 60 seconds. Set aside to soak.
- Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add another drizzle of oil, Savory Paprika Blend and 1 tsp Shawarma Spice Blend (2 tsp for 4 servings). Toast, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, lentils and their liquid, stock concentrate, ½ cup water, ½ tsp sugar, salt and pepper (1 cup water and 1 tsp sugar for 4 servings). Simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid has reduced and lentils are warmed through, 15-20 minutes. Taste and season with salt, pepper and more sugar if desired.
- While dal cooks, drain fenugreek and pat dry with paper towels; finely chop. Melt 2 TBSP butter (4 TBSP for 4 servings) in a small pan over medium heat. Cook, undisturbed, until butter has mostly melted, 1-2 minutes. Add fenugreek and toast until fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Add remaining Shawarma Spice Blend and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Turn off heat and set pan aside.
- In a small bowl, combine yogurt and juice from two lemon wedges (four wedges for 4 servings). Season with salt and pepper.
- Toast naan until golden. Spoon or brush spiced butter onto toasted naan; slice as desired.
- Divide dal between bowls. Top with lemony yogurt sauce. Garnish with cilantro. Serve with spiced butter naan and remaining lemon wedges on the side.
Recipe Tips
For a thicker dal, let it simmer a few minutes longer to reduce more liquid.
If you prefer extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes with the spices.
The fenugreek butter can be made ahead and kept warm until serving.
FAQ
Can I use brown lentils instead of the specified lentils?
Yes, brown lentils work well, but cooking time may vary slightly. Keep an eye on the texture and add more water if needed.
What can I substitute for fenugreek?
Fenugreek has a unique flavor, but you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The dal and chicken are gluten-free, but the naan contains wheat. Use gluten-free naan or serve with rice instead.































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