Spiced Chicken, Creamy Dal & Samphire

Spiced Chicken, Creamy Dal & Samphire

Why have dal as a side dish when it can be the main event? Top this version – featuring spinach and creamy yoghurt – with spiced British chicken thighs and crunchy samphire. Toasted coconut chips in the end for that extra crunch.

Ready in 20 High protein 1/3 daily fibre 5 plants

Serving size

Cook time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Food group: Poultry
Allergens: Soya

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Cooking Instructions

The protein cooking time listed in this recipe has been updated.

As of December 2025, we’ve revised cooking times for all our proteins to reflect improved food safety guidance.

Check out the latest recommended times in our Cooking Guidelines.

  1. Bring a large saucepan filled with salted hot water to a boil. Add the lentils and crumble in half the stock cube. Boil for 10 mins, until just soft, then drain and return to the pan. Dissolve the remaining stock cube in a jug with 100ml hot water.
  2. Quarter the chicken thighs. Heat a medium frying pan with 1 tbsp oil on medium-high heat. Add the chicken and whole tomatoes and cook for 3-4 mins, until golden brown. Season with sea salt.
  3. Thinly slice the spring onions (save a pinch for garnish). Add the spice mix, Asian paste and spring onions to the pan. Cook for 2 mins, then add the samphire and stock. Cook for 2-3 mins, until the liquid thickens and coats the chicken.
  4. Check your chicken is cooked through by cutting a large piece in half; the flesh should be white and the juices running clear. Cook for longer if necessary.
  5. Reheat the lentil saucepan to medium heat. Stir the yoghurt and spinach through the cooked lentils. Season with sea salt and simmer for 2-3 mins, until the spinach has wilted.
  6. Serve the dal with the chicken and vegetables. Drizzle over the lime, coriander and chilli dressing. Garnish with the coconut chips and remaining spring onions.

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