Delight in the velvety texture of Punjabi Kadhi, a beloved yogurt-based curry, intricately infused with an aromatic blend of spices, cherished and passed down through generations, making it a soul-soothing delight for families worldwide.
Food has a unique ability to connect us with our roots and create cherished memories that last a lifetime. For me, one such dish that holds a special place in my heart is Punjabi Kadhi. Introduced to me by my husband’s family, this delectable yogurt-based curry has become not only a favorite on our dinner table but a symbol of the love and warmth that surrounds our family gatherings. Join me as I take you on a flavorful journey into the world of Punjabi Kadhi, a dish that embodies the rich traditions and love shared by my husband’s family.
In my husband’s family, Punjabi Kadhi is more than just a recipe; it’s an heirloom handed down through generations. As I watched my mother-in-law prepare it for the first time, I could see the passion and care she put into every step. The art of getting the consistency perfect and the flavors just right was a skill she had honed over years of making this comforting dish for her family.
Determined to carry on this beautiful tradition, I embarked on a culinary adventure to learn the family recipe of Punjabi Kadhi. Now, Punjabi Kadhi has become a regular feature on our dinner table. It’s a dish that brings everyone together, evoking laughter and stories of family history. As my children grow up, they too are being introduced to this family treasure, and I can see the joy in their eyes as they savor the flavors of their cultural heritage.
In the realm of Indian cuisine, Punjabi Kadhi stands out as a culinary masterpiece, capturing the essence of the Punjab region and its rich culinary heritage. With its exquisite blend of spices and the soothing creaminess of yogurt, it has transcended regional boundaries to become a favorite in households worldwide. Whether you are seeking comfort on a rainy day or a taste of home in a foreign land, Punjabi Kadhi promises to deliver a delightful experience like no other. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your spices, and embark on a journey to savor the heartwarming flavors of Punjabi Kadhi – a dish that continues to win hearts and spread smiles, one bowl at a time.
My biggest change to this traditional recipe: I finish off cooking the pakoras in the oven. This makes them crispy and won’t “melt” them in the kadhi. When I first started making this dish, my pakoras would disintegrate into the kadhi because they were too soft. I found that toasting them in the oven helps keep their shape and they do soften up when added to the kadhi so you don’t taste the crunch but I love the toasted red color it adds.
Punjabi Kadhi
Ingredients
For the Kadhi:
- 1 c Besan (chickpea/gram flour)
- 2 c yogurt
- 1 med onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1" ginger knob, grated
- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
- 1 tsp cumin seeds (jheera)
- 3 dried red chilis, split in half
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 3-4 curry leaves
- 1 tsp Kashmiri chili pepper
- 1 ½ tsp coriander powder
- 1 ½ tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp Kasoori Methi
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt to taste
For the Pakoras:
- 1 lg yellow onion, sliced thinly
- 1 c spinach, roughly chopped
- ¾ c chickpea flour
- ½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- ½ tsp carom seeds
- ½ tsp coriander seeds
- ½ tsp salt
- oil for frying
Instructions
For the Kadhi:
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk yogurt to a smooth consistency.
- Add in the gram flour and continue whisking until all lumps are smoothed out.
- Transfer to a deep pot, add in 4 cups of water, salt and turmeric. Mix and simmer on low-medium heat.
- In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, dried red chili, fenugreek seeds.
- Once the fenugreek seeds are light red in color, add in curry leaves and let cook for 30 seconds.
- Add in the onions and sauté until they are golden brown. About 5-6 minutes.
- Add in the garlic and ginger and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add in the cayenne pepper, coriander powder, cumin powder and mix well. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to so the spices bloom.
- Add the onions to the kadhi and mix well.
- Cook on low-medium heat for about 30-45 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. The kadhi will thicken as it cooks. Add more water if it is too thick.
- When it's done, turn off stove and add in kasoori methi and stir.
For the Pakoras:
- Add the onions and spices in a bowl and mix well. Let it rest for about 20-25 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- Add in the spinach and gram flour and mix.
- The water released from the onions will help bind the batter together. It should be a little on the thicker/dry side but if it is too much, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Using a spoon, drop medium sized pakoras in hot oil to fry. Pull them out when they are just under done and lay them on a plate lined with a paper towel to soak up excess oil.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 5-7 minutes to make them crispy.
- Add the pakoras to the kadhi and serve with steamed rice or naan.
It’s my favorite too. Great job Sapna.