Kadhi Pakora | Kadhi Chawal | Punjabi Kadhi Recipe

 Step-by-step recipe with pictures to make Kadhi Chawal | Punjabi Kadhi Pakora | Kadi Pakoda | Karhi, an Indian yogurt curry with gram flour fritters!

Kadhi chawal is a popular Punjabi dish, and also one that falls into the comfort food category for most Indians. Punjabi kadhi pakora consists of deep-fried besan (gram flour) fritters which are known as pakoras simmered in a tangy, sour and spiced yogurt besan curry.

I’m not sure what the English word for kadhi is but it definitely does not translate to curry. The word kadhi is derived from the word ‘kadhna‘ which simply means to simmer over a long time so the kadhi reduces in quantity and thickens. The fritters are mostly made with onions mixed into the besan batter, but spinach, fenugreek pakoras are just as great.

Basically, you can add any vegetables you like to the pakoras. But a Punjabi kadhi is incomplete without the pakoras! ‘Chawal‘ known as rice in Hindi is the best accompaniment to Punjabi kadhi, and hence it is also known as kadhi chawal. Though kadhi pairs well with chapati, roti, or parathas too, as it is thick in consistency.

There are so many variations in the way kadhi is prepared all over India, though they are all delicious in their own unique way! Even though I’m not a Punjabi, but I find a bowl of kadhi chawal | kadi chawal very comforting. In fact, kadhi pakora is a great dish to really warm you up during the winter season! A perfect winter lunch meal!

HOW TO MAKE PUNJABI KADHI PAKORA | HOW TO MAKE KADHI?

There are 3 parts to make Punjabi Kadhi Pakora.

• Preparing the pakoras – For the besan pakoras, make a batter of a besan, spices, and onions. Traditionally, pakoras are deep fried! But you know me if you have been following my blog!! I rarely share recipes that are deep fried. These pakoras are fried in the ebelskiever/paniyaram pan in minimal oil, making this a rather healthy and guilt-free dish to enjoy!
• Preparing the kadhi – To prepare Punjabi kadhi, you need to use sour yogurt. Make a thin batter of the yogurt along with besan, turmeric, and red chilli powder. You can add salt now, or at a later stage while cooking the kadhi. This batter is then cooked, stirring continuously over medium heat until it turns thick and creamy. Once the batter hits the pot, remember to stir it continuously, until the kadhi has turned homogeneous and the besan is well blended with the yogurt or else the yogurt will split. Another thing to keep in mind is to always use room temperature dahi/yogurt. If you use cold yogurt, the yogurt will split.
• Assembling the kadhi pakora– Add the pakoras to the kadhi just before serving, or else they will turn soggy.

HOW TO MAKE CURD (YOGURT) SOUR FOR KADHI?

It is important to use sour yogurt for this dish, as the essence of kadhi lies in the sour taste. You really won’t enjoy this dish if you do not get the tartness.

Indian yogurt works best for this, but if you don’t have access to it, remove the required amount of yogurt (I find Greek yogurt works best for this) in a bowl, and leave it overnight or in the morning if you are making kadhi for lunch.

Next morning you can use it to make the kadhi. Or you can also add little lemon juice to the yogurt and leave it for a couple of hours. Another option is to add amchur (dry mango powder) whilst preparing the kadhi.

HOW TO REDUCE THE SOURNESS OF KADHI?

Before starting off with anything, taste the yogurt. It should be sour but not unpleasant. If the yogurt is too sour, use some milk in place of water to prepare the batter which will reduce the sourness.

However, if you find the kadhi is sour after cooking it, then add a pinch of sugar to balance it out.

Some more Punjabi dishes you may like – Shahi Paneer, Palak Paneer, Matar Paneer, Malai Kofta, Paneer butter masala, aloo paratha, kulcha, and paneer paratha.

Each household probably has their own version of Punjabi Kadhi Pakora recipe, here is how I like to make Punjabi kadhi 🙂

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE KADHI CHAWAL | PUNJABI KADHI PAKORA

1.Add the yogurt in a bowl, whisk to get rid of any lumps.

2.Add besan (sifted) along with turmeric and red chilli powder into the yogurt. Whisk well again to make a smooth lump free batter.

3.Add water gradually whilst you keep whisking the yogurt – besan mixture. Do not overmix, or you may end up with butter. You can also use a hand blender, but a whisk works just as great!

4.Heat oil in a sufficiently large heavy bottomed pot. Add mustard seeds and methi seeds, when mustard seeds splutter and methi turn golden brown add cumin and crushed coriander seeds

5.When the cumin seeds crackle, add ginger and garlic, sauté until aromatic.

6.Add in asafoetida, green chillies and curry leaves, sauté another 15 seconds. Add sliced onions, sauté until translucent.

7.Give the yogurt-besan mixture a quick mix & pour it into this tempering, increase the heat and bring to a boil whilst stirring continuously until it forms a homogeneous mixture. Once it start bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer stirring occasionally for 30 minutes.

8.Whilst the kadhi is simmering, let’s prepare the pakoras. Heat the paniyaram pan while you prepare the pakora batter. In a bowl add all the ingredients mentioned under- for the pakoras.

9.Add water in little increments, ‘mix until you have a thick batter.

10.Grease the paniyaram pan with few drops of oil in each cavity, drop about a tablespoon of the pakora batter into each cavity. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes on medium low heat.

11.Flip and let the other side cook for another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

12.After about 30 minutes of simmering, the kadhi would have thickened and the color will darken too. If it is too thick, add little water and boil again. You can add the prepared pakoras to the kadhi now, or else you can also add it at the time of serving the kadhi. If the pakoras sit in the kadhi for too long, they will get soft and mushy.

13.Also add finely chopped cilantro, let the kadhi simmer for another 5 minutes.

14.For the second tempering– In a small pan, heat ghee, add in cumin seeds, once it splutters add in the curry leaves & red chillies. Switch off the heat and and red chilli powder, mix well and immediately pour this tempering over the kadhi just before serving. Serve hot with rice.

HOW TO MAKE KADHI CHAWAL | PUNJABI KADHI PAKORA?

 

I hope you enjoyed this lighter version of kadhi pakora with non-deep-fried fritters. I would love to hear from you if you try it out too! Please feel free to share your feedback with photos and suggestions to me at aromaticessence77@gmail.com

You can also follow me on :

Facebook 

Pinterest

Instagram 

Twitter 

Regards,

Freda