Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Lamb Dhansak Recipe

This Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Lamb Dhansak is a rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying curry packed with tender lamb, warming spices, and red lentils. Slow cooking allows all the flavors to develop fully while ensuring the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. Ideal for batch cooking, family dinners, or weekend meals, this dhansak is simple to prepare and incredibly rewarding.

What is Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Lamb Dhansak?

The Hairy Bikers’ slow cooker lamb dhansak is a traditional Indian-inspired curry made with diced lamb, lentils, and a blend of aromatic spices, all simmered slowly to create a thick, flavorful dish. What sets it apart is the sweet and sour profile, often using mango chutney or pineapple alongside savory elements. Slow cooking deepens the flavors and softens both the lamb and lentils into a rich, comforting curry.

Other Popular Recipes

• Jamie Oliver Leftover Lamb Curry
• Jamie Oliver Leftover Lamb Moroccan
• Jamie Oliver’s Leftover Leg of Lamb
• Mary Berry Lamb Dhansak

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Perfect One-Pot Meal – Everything simmers in the slow cooker
• Rich and Comforting – Deeply flavored with tender lamb
• Low Effort, High Reward – Ideal for busy days or lazy weekends
• Freezer Friendly – Great for batch cooking and meal prep
• Balanced Flavors – Combines sweet, sour, and spicy flavors beautifully

Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Lamb Dhansak

• Lamb Shoulder or Leg (600g / ~1.3 lb, diced)
• Onion (1 large, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Fresh Ginger (1 tbsp, grated)
• Red Lentils (150g / ¾ cup, rinsed well)
• Chopped Tomatoes (1 can – 400g)
• Lamb or Chicken Stock (400ml / 1½ cups)
• Mango Chutney or Pineapple Chunks (2 tbsp – for sweetness)
• Ground Cumin (1 tsp)
• Ground Coriander (1 tsp)
• Curry Powder (1½ tbsp – mild or medium)
• Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp)
• Garam Masala (1 tsp – to finish)
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)
• Vegetable Oil (1 tbsp, for browning – optional)
• Fresh Coriander (for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (3.5L or larger)
• Frying pan (optional for browning)
• Wooden spoon
• Knife and chopping board
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Lamb Dhansak

Step 1: (Optional) Brown the lamb

In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp oil and brown the lamb in batches. This step adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Step 2: Prepare the base

Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger to the slow cooker. Top with browned lamb (or raw if skipping browning), red lentils, chopped tomatoes, and stock.

Step 3: Add spices and sweetness

Stir in cumin, coriander, curry powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add mango chutney or pineapple chunks for that classic dhansak sweetness.

Step 4: Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until the lamb is tender and the lentils have broken down into a thick, rich sauce.

Step 5: Finish and serve

Stir in garam masala just before serving. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.

What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Lamb Dhansak

• Steamed Basmati Rice – A neutral base to soak up the curry
• Naan or Flatbread – Perfect for scooping
• Cucumber Raita – Cools the palate and balances spice
• Pickled Onions or Mango Chutney – Add tang and sweetness
• Roasted Cauliflower – Complements the curry without overpowering
• Lemon Wedges – A touch of acidity brightens the dish

Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Dhansak

• Use Lamb Shoulder or Leg – These cuts become incredibly tender over time
• Always Rinse Lentils – Removes excess starch and prevents stickiness
• Don’t Overdo the Sweetness – Balance mango chutney or pineapple with spices
• Let It Rest Before Serving – Flavors continue to deepen off the heat
• Thicken If Needed – If too watery, cook uncovered on high for 20–30 mins or stir in a spoonful of mashed lentils

Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Lamb Dhansak

• Add Spinach or Kale – Stir in near the end for extra nutrition
• Make It Spicier – Add fresh chili or a spoonful of harissa
• Use Chickpeas – Add at the end for texture
• Swap Lamb for Chicken Thighs – A faster, leaner option
• Add Coconut Milk – For a creamier texture

Best Practices to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate in Airtight Container – Keeps for up to 3 days
• Freeze in Batches – Lasts for up to 2 months
• Reheat on Stove or Microwave – Add splash of water or stock as needed
• Don’t Reheat More Than Once – For food safety
• Garnish After Reheating – Fresh herbs and citrus enhance flavor

Nutrition Value (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: ~32g
• Fat: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fiber: ~8g

FAQs

Can I skip browning the lamb before slow cooking?

Yes. While browning adds extra flavor, you can place the lamb directly into the slow cooker to save time. The slow cooking process still yields tender and flavorful results.

Can I use green or brown lentils instead of red?

You can, but red lentils break down into a smooth texture, which is typical for dhansak. Green or brown lentils will hold their shape and change the texture of the dish.

What’s the best cut of lamb for this recipe?

Lamb shoulder or leg is ideal for slow cooking because they becomes tender and juicy over long periods. Avoid lean cuts, which may dry out.

Can I freeze leftover lamb dhansak?

Absolutely. Once cooled, store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Final Words

This Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Lamb Dhansak is a bold, comforting curry that’s ideal for slow weekends or stress-free midweek meals. With its warm spices, tender lamb, and creamy lentil base, it offers the perfect balance of richness and nutrition. Serve it up with rice or naan, and enjoy restaurant-quality curry from the comfort of your kitchen.

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