Bihari Style Kadhi Bari Recipe
Introduction:
Bihari Style Kadhi Bari is a beloved dish from the state of Bihar, offering a unique blend of creamy yogurt-based kadhi and delicious, crispy bari (fritters). The kadhi, made by mixing yogurt and gram flour, is tempered with aromatic spices to enhance its flavors. The baris, made from gram flour and fried until golden brown, are then simmered in the kadhi, absorbing its rich flavors. This dish is a perfect vegetarian option for a fulfilling lunch, offering a balance of tangy, savory, and spicy flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.
Cuisine:
Bihari
Course:
Lunch
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For the Bari (Fritters):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Red Chilli 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 |
For the Kadhi:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt), sour | 1 cup |
| Gram flour (besan) | 3 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander seeds (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
For Tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Garlic (chopped) | 5 cloves |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
| Ghee | 2 teaspoons |
| Kashmiri red chilli powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Bari (Fritters):
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the gram flour (besan), red chilli powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds, ajwain seeds, turmeric powder, eno, and salt.
- Add water gradually to form a thick batter. Whisk the mixture vigorously for a few minutes to make it light and airy.
- Heat a paniyaram pan over medium heat and lightly grease each cavity with oil. Drop a spoonful of the prepared batter into each cavity.
- Drizzle a few drops of oil around the batter and cook for about 3 minutes. Flip the baris and cook the other side until golden brown.
- Remove the baris from the pan and set them aside in a bowl. Continue cooking the remaining batter. The baris should have a golden, crispy exterior.
-
Prepare the Kadhi:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the curd (yogurt), gram flour, and turmeric powder. Gradually add 3 cups of water to make a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the bay leaf and coriander seeds and let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Pour the curd and gram flour mixture into the pan, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. If the mixture becomes too thick, add more water to adjust the consistency.
- Allow the kadhi to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth consistency. The raw smell of the besan should dissipate during this time.
- Season the kadhi with salt and add the prepared baris. Let the kadhi simmer for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the baris to absorb the flavors.
-
Temper the Kadhi:
- In a separate pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, garlic, dry red chilies, and Kashmiri red chilli powder. Saute for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Pour this tempering over the simmering kadhi and baris. Stir gently and let the baris soak up the kadhi, becoming soft and flavorful.
-
Serving:
- Switch off the heat and let the kadhi bari rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve this delectable Bihari Style Kadhi Bari with steamed rice, phulkas, and a side of Bharma Baingan (stuffed eggplant) for a hearty and satisfying lunch.
Tips:
- Make sure to whisk the kadhi continuously while cooking to prevent any lumps from forming.
- The baris should be fried until they are golden brown and crispy, as they will absorb the kadhi and become soft during the simmering process.
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of red chili powder and dry red chilies used.
Conclusion:
Bihari Style Kadhi Bari is a comforting and flavorful dish, perfect for a vegetarian lunch. The combination of yogurt-based kadhi, crispy bari, and aromatic tempering results in a hearty, satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to explore regional Indian cuisine or simply want a delicious meal to enjoy with family and friends, this recipe will surely become a favorite!
