Kadhi with Gram Flour Dumplings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Kadhi is a quintessential Indian dish that beautifully combines the creamy tanginess of yogurt with the delicate flavor of gram flour dumplings. This comforting dish offers a delightful balance of spice, tang, and richness, making it perfect to pair with a variety of accompaniments. In this recipe, we add a unique twist with crispy gram flour pakodas (dumplings), which soak up the rich and flavorful kadhi, creating a satisfying dish that is sure to please any palate. While this recipe may not adhere strictly to the traditional Gujarati style, it captures the essence of Indian cuisine, with a blend of spices and textures that can be customized to your liking.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 2 cups |
| Yoghurt | 1 cup |
| Buttermilk | 2-3 cups |
| Water | 1 ½ cups |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Ginger paste | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic paste | ½ teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 3 tablespoons |
| Cumin seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Black mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fenugreek seeds | ¼ teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 10 leaves |
| Asafoetida (hing) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Turmeric powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves | For garnish |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 93.3 kcal |
| Fat | 5.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 16.1 mg |
| Sodium | 907.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 8.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g |
| Sugars | 3.7 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Gram Flour Mixture:
Start by placing the gram flour (besan) into a deep mixing bowl. Add the yogurt, buttermilk, and water to the flour. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-combined. The mixture should be lump-free and have a creamy consistency.
2. Add the Flavorings:
Once the gram flour and yogurt mixture is smooth, stir in the salt, ginger paste, garlic paste, and red chili powder. Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Heat the Ghee:
In a large saucepan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Ghee imparts a rich, nutty flavor to the kadhi, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Once the ghee is hot, proceed to the next step.
4. Temper the Spices:
Add the cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida powder to the hot ghee. Stir-fry the spices for a minute or two until the mustard seeds begin to splutter and the spices release their aromatic fragrance. This tempering process infuses the ghee with deep flavors.
5. Cook the Onions:
Add the finely chopped onion to the saucepan. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, until it softens and turns golden brown. This step adds a savory depth to the kadhi, complementing the tangy yogurt and spices.
6. Combine the Mixture:
Once the onions are softened, pour in the prepared yogurt and gram flour mixture. Stir continuously to prevent any lumps from forming and to ensure the yogurt mixture is well incorporated into the tempered spices. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring.
7. Simmer:
Once the kadhi begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the kadhi to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once the kadhi has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and color.
9. Optional: Add Pakodas (Gram Flour Dumplings):
If you wish to add some extra texture and flavor to the kadhi, you can prepare pakodas (gram flour dumplings). Drop small spoonfuls of gram flour batter into the hot oil and fry them until golden and crispy. Add these pakodas to the kadhi just before serving to let them absorb the tangy, spiced gravy.
10. Serve:
Serve the kadhi hot with steamed rice or warm flatbreads. The flavorful kadhi pairs beautifully with the soft and tangy dumplings, creating a comforting, satisfying meal.
Tips:
- You can adjust the level of tanginess by adding a teaspoon of sugar if you prefer a slightly sweeter kadhi.
- For a richer flavor, you can use full-fat yogurt instead of low-fat or fat-free yogurt.
- If you don’t want to make the dumplings, the kadhi is also delicious on its own or with rice and a side of vegetables.
- This kadhi recipe can be customized by adding different vegetables such as spinach or bottle gourd, making it a versatile dish.
Enjoy your Kadhi with Gram Flour Dumplings as a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
