Bihari Style Kadhi Bari Recipe
A hearty and comforting dish, Bihari Style Kadhi Bari is a traditional delicacy from the heart of Bihar, India. This flavorful dish combines crispy gram flour dumplings (bari) soaked in a tangy yogurt-based curry, known as kadhi, that’s spiced with cumin, turmeric, and a hint of garlic. Paired perfectly with steamed rice or phulkas, this dish is a must-try for any fan of authentic regional Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Bari (Gram Flour Dumplings):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Enos fruit salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | As needed to form thick batter |
For the Kadhi (Yogurt Curry):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sour yogurt (curd/dahi) | 1 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander seeds (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf (Tej patta) | 1 |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Garlic (chopped) | 5 cloves |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
| Ghee | 2 teaspoons |
| Kashmiri red chili powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Water | 3 cups |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Bihari
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bari (Gram Flour Dumplings)
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In a large mixing bowl, combine gram flour (besan), red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds, ajwain seeds, turmeric powder, Enos fruit salt, and salt. Mix well.
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Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, stirring continuously, until you form a thick batter. The batter should be firm enough to hold its shape when spooned out.
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Whisk the mixture vigorously for 2-3 minutes to incorporate air and make the batter light and fluffy. This step ensures the dumplings become soft and airy when cooked.
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Heat a paniyaram pan or appe pan on medium heat. Lightly brush each cavity with oil. Spoon a dollop of the prepared bari batter into each cavity.
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Drizzle a few drops of oil around the batter and allow the baris to cook for about 3 minutes. Once the underside is golden brown, flip each bari and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
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When the baris are golden brown and crispy on both sides, remove them from the pan and place them in a bowl. Continue making the rest of the baris with the remaining batter. Set them aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Kadhi (Yogurt Curry)
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In a large bowl, whisk together sour yogurt, gram flour (besan), and turmeric powder. Gradually add 3 cups of water to create a smooth, lump-free mixture.
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Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the bay leaf, coriander seeds, and let them splutter for a few seconds.
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Slowly pour in the prepared yogurt and besan mixture, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. If the mixture appears too thick, add more water until you achieve a smooth consistency.
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Let the kadhi simmer for about 5 minutes to cook the besan and allow the flavors to meld. Stir regularly to ensure the kadhi doesn’t curdle and remains smooth.
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Once the raw smell of besan is gone and the kadhi is simmering gently, add salt to taste and drop in the prepared bari dumplings. Let the kadhi simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the baris to soak up the tangy, flavorful curry.
Step 3: Temper the Kadhi Bari
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In a separate pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, chopped garlic, dry red chilies, and kashmiri red chili powder. Sauté for a few seconds until the garlic turns golden and aromatic.
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Pour this tempering (tarka) over the simmering kadhi and baris. Let it rest for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.
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Switch off the heat, and let the baris soak in the kadhi for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this aromatic Kadhi Bari hot with a side of steamed rice, phulkas, and a simple vegetable dish like Bharma Baingan (stuffed eggplant) for a wholesome, traditional Bihari meal. The crispy baris soaked in the tangy, spicy kadhi are truly a delight to the taste buds, making this dish perfect for a weekend lunch with family and friends.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Cholesterol | 10 mg |
Bihari Style Kadhi Bari is a perfect blend of flavors and textures—crispy dumplings in a rich, creamy, and tangy curry. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and will surely become a family favorite in your home. Enjoy this traditional recipe and experience the essence of Bihari cuisine!
