Kashmiri Kokur T Nadir: Chicken and Lotus Stem Curry
Delve into the heart of Kashmiri cuisine with this exquisite recipe for Kashmiri Kokur T Nadir, a delectable chicken and lotus stem curry that beautifully blends flavors and textures, offering a unique culinary experience for both novice and experienced cooks. This dish captures the essence of Kashmir, where chicken and lotus stem (nadru) come together in a luscious, aromatic curry, perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lotus Stem (Nadru or Kamal Kakdi) | 2 cups, peeled and sliced |
| Chicken | 750 grams, cut into medium pieces |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black Cardamom (Badi Elaichi) | 2 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 |
| Ginger | 1 inch, chopped |
| Mustard Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1.5 cups, whisked |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Fennel Powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mint Powder (Pudina) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 3 sprigs, chopped for garnish |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 450 |
| Protein | Approximately 36 g |
| Carbohydrates | Approximately 15 g |
| Fat | Approximately 30 g |
| Fiber | Approximately 3 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings
- Servings: 4
Cuisine
- Cuisine: Kashmiri
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: High Protein Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
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Preparation of Chicken: Begin by thoroughly washing and cleaning the chicken pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with Kashmiri red chilli powder, fennel powder, and dry ginger powder. Mix well and let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
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Prepping Lotus Stem: While the chicken is marinating, take the sliced lotus stems and soak them in warm water for a few minutes. This helps to remove any dirt and impurities. After soaking, strain the lotus stem slices and set them aside.
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Cooking Lotus Stem: In a pressure cooker, add the strained lotus stem slices along with 2 cups of water, a bay leaf, fennel seeds, black cardamom, cloves, chopped ginger, and salt to taste. Close the lid and cook until the pressure cooker releases 2 to 3 whistles. Once done, allow the cooker to settle down naturally.
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Sautéing Spices: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the mustard oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds and asafoetida powder. Mix well and sauté for 8 to 10 seconds until the spices release their aroma.
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Cooking Chicken: Add the marinated chicken along with the whisked curd (yogurt) mixture into the pan. Cook the chicken on medium to low heat until the yogurt thickens and the oil starts to separate from the sides, about 10-15 minutes.
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Combining Ingredients: After the chicken is cooked, add the boiled and strained lotus stem slices into the gravy. Stir gently and let it cook on low flame for about five minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
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Finishing Touches: Take the ajwain (carom seeds) and crush them using a mortar and pestle to form a powder. Similarly, crush the dry mint leaves between your hands and add them to the curry. Adjust the salt as needed and cook until the curry thickens to your desired consistency.
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Garnishing and Serving: Once the curry is cooked to perfection, turn off the stove and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the Kashmiri Kokur T Nadir hot, paired with Kashmiri Dum Monji, steamed rice, and phulkas for a wholesome weekday meal that your family will love.
Tips for Serving
For a delightful experience, consider serving this curry with a side of traditional Kashmiri accompaniments such as:
- Kashmiri Dum Monji: Flavored rice or bread that complements the curry beautifully.
- Steamed Rice: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful gravy.
- Phulkas: Soft Indian flatbreads that pair wonderfully with the dish.
Indulge in the rich flavors and the warm essence of Kashmir with this Kashmiri Kokur T Nadir. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor the culinary heritage of a land known for its vibrant flavors and culinary depth. Enjoy!
