A delicious and easy curry that combines vegan chicken strips or seitan with lentils and spices. Perfect with rice or roti for a weeknight dinner.
Like many cooks, I've collected a decent number of cookbooks over the years. And when I went vegan, most of those cookbooks -- meant for an omnivore's palate-- began to taunt me with their uselessness.Thick compilations of antique recipes picked up at yard sales-- recipes stirred up by 1920s housewives in their own kitchens or passed down by their moms, generously donated for the church benefit. Classics like Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cuisine. Modern time-savers like Mark Bittman's How to Cook Everything and Rachel Ray's 30-Minute Meals. And just ones I had relied on each day in my kitchen, first as a novice and then as a more experienced cook, like the incredible Joy of Cooking.
If you've read my blog for any length of time, you know I hate waste. Just as much as I hate giving away a cookbook. And there was a good reason I bought some of these cookbooks and kept them-- the great recipes they offered. So instead of just letting go of my modestly impressive collection I learned, over time, to put them to good use: by veganizing them.
It didn't always work. When I tried making beignets from the Joy, the dough fell apart in the frying pan, the egg replacer I used just not strong enough to make up for the egg it replaced. Another time I naively (read stupidly) tried to substitute tofu in an angel food cake and ended up with a moist, dense, albeit delicious slab that didn't rise but one inch and didn't taste anything like an angel food cake.
Lucky for me, there were more successes than failures. While baked goods can be the most challenging to adapt, I've been able to veganize a kitchenload of baked goodies -- especially ones that I've adapted from Joy-- that I've shared with you over the years on this blog, including my Vegan Whole Wheat Challah Breadand my Vegan Shortbread Cookies
The stews and curries-- the cooked goods-- were far easier. While I usually use vegetables to replace meat in most dishes, the easy availability of meat substitutes doesn't hurt.
The recipe I have for you today is a version of a chicken-lentil stew with Indian spices that I adapted from a slim and tall cookbook called The Book of Curries and Indian Foods.
I used to love this stew because not only is it delicious, but having grown up in a home where meat was never combined with lentils into a single dish, the whole concept of throwing these two protein powerhouses together seemed both enthralling and enticing. In fact, the only Indian dish I can think of even today, which combines meat and lentils, is the delicious Dhansaak-- a dish from the Parsi community.
To replace the chicken in my stew I used vegan chik'n strips which did a good job and held their own in the curry, although they did get a little softer than I'd have liked them to be. Next time I might try adding them later in the cooking process so they don't stew as long with the lentils.
The spices are what really make this dish work. They flavor the chick'n and the dal subtly yet assertively. I love this with some rice.
If you'd rather not use a meat substitute, go ahead and use a vegetable instead. Potatoes, mushrooms or even eggplant would be great in this.
Enjoy!
More vegan chick'n recipes:
- Easy Vegan Chick'n Curry with Potatoes and Coconut Milk
- Vegan "Chicken" Tikka Masala Pot Pie
- Quick, Spicy Vegan "Chicken" Masala
- Vegan Spinach "Chicken" Curry
Chick'n Lentil Curry
Ingredients
- 1 cup pink lentils (masoor dal, cooked on the stove or in a pressure cooker until tender)
- 16 oz seitan (chopped into chunks, or use chick'n strips)
- 2 cups crimini mushrooms (chopped. You can use other kinds of mushrooms, make sure you chop them in bite-size pieces)
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 tablespoon garam masala
- 1 tablespoon cumin powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne (or paprika)
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
For serving
Instructions
- Heat oil. Add the onions and brown until they turn translucent.
- Add the chick'n strips or seitan. Stir fry until they start to brown.
- Add the mushrooms, stir well.
- Add the powdered spices and ginger and garlic and stir-fry about a minute.
- Add the cooked lentils with any cooking liquid. You want a fairly loose but not watery gravy. Add water if needed. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Add salt to taste.
- Garnish with cilantro. Enjoy!
Pam @ cookingworld
I just found your site searching for vegan blogs. It is nice collections of vegan and animal friendly recipes!
I love lentil soup from whole food, so I think I will like this one too.
Zengirl @ Heart and Mind
Vaishali,
I am sorry to hear about Lucy and Freddie, seems like you are all going through a lot. My prayers and best wishes for all of you.
I had too many recipes books too, I gave away a lot and kept only I truly loved. It is still tough, as still keep buying them 🙂
Like this recipe!
Susan
Converting meat recipes for v consumption is always a challenge, but when it works, it really works. Lovely curry, Vaishali.
Thanks for updating us on the pup front. I didn't want to intrude w/ more emails. I hope that Lucy and Freddie continue to improve. Looking forward to the photos. : )
AMA's AnythingVegetarian
Good to see you back on the pavilion.Loved your chick curry.BTW did you get those strips in the frozen section.Morning star brand I remember crossing them in the frozen aisles.
Love to hear Freddie and Lucy are getting better.Sending positive vibes on your way.
Kumudha
I often visit this blog regularly to see what you are cooking...
Chick'n lentil curry sounds so YUM!
Nupur
Thanks for the update, Vaishali. My love to Lucy and Freddie; I hope they recover steadily and enjoy summer to the hilt.
I had to smile reading your comments on non-vegan cookbooks; I recently gathered up my non-vegetarian cookbooks and seriously considered getting rid of them!
Miri
I have been away too - travelling on work and then vacation, ,missed your posts and came rushing back here as soon as things settled down.
Sorry to hear about all the illnesses at home 🙁 Get well hugs from me.
I can imagine not being able to let cookbooks go - they are so dear to me! this is a lovely adaptation of the chicken and lentil dish - I have never had this combo before too. Regional cuisine or unique home cooking habits is the subject of my latest post and how we can preserve it - you seem to be doing exactly that by your own process of evolution!
Usha
Glad to hear that both Lucy and Freddie are doing better now! Hope they both get completely well soon...
Sharmila
I was wondering if Lucy was in trouble again ... did not feel like disturbing with mails ... good to see you back Vaishali. Hope Lucy feels better soon and so does Freddie.
I did a double take seeing the post title ... then thought it might be chick peas. 🙂
But the curry sounds wholesome and good. 🙂
Take care.
Pavani
Wow Morning star Chik'n and lentils combo sounds delicious. Will have to this soon.
Anonymous
Vaishali
Though I didn't comment I really missed you. Glad to know both Lucy and Freddie are improving on their health apart. When they ask for a treat it's a signal that they are doing fine 🙂
You all take care
Mints!
Its so good to see you back Vaishali. I missed you and was wondering about the kids too. Glad to know that Lucy and Freddie are doing okay.
Take care!!