Specialty Spice Blend – Dhansak Stew by Simply Bhonu

Specialty Spice Blend – Dhansak Stew by Simply Bhonu

Serves 4-6

Net Wt. 57 gm

• A signature 12-spice family recipe that makes it easy to cook the iconic Parsi lentil and vegetable stew at home.

• A culinary specialty that is almost synonymous with the word Parsi is Dhansak – every bite is a celebration of tradition and taste! Flavored with Indian spices and inspired by ancient Persian cooking methods, this lentil and vegetable stew draws attention to an impressive manner of bringing hearty vegetables, wholesome lentils, and optional protein of choice, together in one delicious pot of goodness.

• The basis of a Dhansak is the tempering, known as “Vaghar,” which effortlessly bestows upon the dish an unparalleled authenticity. My signature Parsi Dhansak Vaghar blend is a family recipe featuring 12 spices and flavors. Take a deep breath, and relish the tantalizing aromas as you cook. Dhansak isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen.

 

FREE HOME DELIVERY IN THE BAY AREA.

Enjoy Free Delivery Throughout the Bay Area:

• Fridays: Milpitas, Santa Clara, and San Jose (Eastern and Southern).
• Saturdays: Milpitas (Northern), Fremont, up through San Ramon, Dublin and Tracy.
• Sundays: Morgan Hill, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, Palo Alto up through San Francisco.
• Mondays: Cupertino, Saratoga, San Jose (Downtown and Western).

• About Chef Peri & Simply Bhonu
  
  Chef Perinaz (Peri) Avari is a chef, entrepreneur, and lifelong food enthusiast with Parsi Zoroastrian roots from Mumbai, India. Her journey with food began at the world-renowned Taj Hotels, where she managed state visits for global dignitaries and celebrities including Bill Clinton, Stephen Hawking, Margaret Thatcher, and Elton John. Over the past three decades, she has promoted Indian cuisine in China, launched food ventures in California’s Silicon Valley, and now continues her passion through Simply Bhonu, based in Menlo Park.

“Bhonu” means food in Parsi, and for Chef Peri, it represents both tradition and innovation. Her Zoroastrian ancestors migrated from Persia to India in the 8th century, and over the centuries developed a distinctive Parsi culinary style that blends Persian flavors with Indian ingredients. The result is a unique regional cuisine with hallmark notes of balance — tart and sweet, savory and spiced.

Simply Bhonu began with Peri’s love for chai. After years of perfecting her own morning masala chai, she created two signature blends:

Masala Chai – bold and energizing, with black tea, cardamom, ginger root, nutmeg, and mint.

Parsi Choi – a delicate, floral- herbal tea with lemongrass, mint, and rose petals, designed for peaceful afternoons.

Both blends are available in loose-leaf form (Peri’s favorite) and in eco-friendly plant-based tea bags that are fully compostable — no staples, strings, or tags.

From chai, Simply Bhonu expanded into spice blends designed to make Indian and Parsi cooking approachable for home kitchens. Favorites include:

Parsi Curry Spice Blend – A versatile blend inspired by Parsi heritage, crafted for creamy coconut curries, chickpea stews, and balanced, flavorful meals.

Parsi Dhansak Vaghar Blend – A signature 12-spice family recipe that makes it easy to cook the iconic Parsi lentil and vegetable stew at home.

Garam Masala All-Purpose Blend – A small-batch, seven-spice mix that brings warmth and depth to curries, soups, and roasted vegetables.

Chef Peri’s goal is simple: to make authentic Indian and Parsi flavors more accessible while honoring their deep cultural roots. Whether through a steaming cup of chai or a ready-to-use spice mix, Simply Bhonu brings heritage, hospitality, and heart to every table.