If you’re a fan of traditional Indian comfort food, the “Pakode Wali Kadhi” is a must-try! This dish combines the rich, tangy goodness of kadhi with crispy, soft pakoras (fritters), making it a unique twist on a beloved classic. Known for its flavorful and aromatic appeal, this recipe is so delicious that you’ll be licking your fingers long after the last bite. Let’s dive into the details of how you can make this irresistible Pakode Wali Kadhi at home.
Ingredients:
For the Pakoras:
- 1 cup besan (gram flour)
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
- A handful of chopped coriander leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ajwain (carom seeds)
- 1/4 teaspoon haldi (turmeric powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Water, as needed
- Oil for frying
For the Kadhi:
- 1 cup plain yogurt (curd)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons besan (gram flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon haldi (turmeric powder)
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
For the Tempering (Tadka):
- 1 tablespoon ghee or oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1-2 dried red chilies
- A pinch of hing (asafoetida)
- 1/2 teaspoon methi (fenugreek) seeds
- 1-2 green chilies, slit
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Method:
1. Prepare the Pakoras:
- In a mixing bowl, combine besan, chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, cumin seeds, ajwain, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
- Add a little water to make a thick batter. The batter should be thick enough to hold shape when dropped into hot oil.
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to drain excess oil.
2. Prepare the Kadhi:
- In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, water, and besan until smooth.
- Heat a pan and add oil (or ghee). Once it’s hot, add the yogurt-besan mixture to the pan and bring it to a simmer.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir continuously to avoid lumps. Let the kadhi simmer for 10-15 minutes on low heat. The consistency should be thick but pourable. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent the kadhi from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Add the Pakoras to the Kadhi:
- Once the kadhi is ready, gently drop the fried pakoras into the kadhi and let them soak for about 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors of the kadhi.
4. Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
- In a small pan, heat ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds, dried red chilies, methi seeds, and a pinch of hing. Let them splutter for a few seconds.
- Add slit green chilies and sauté for a minute.
- Pour this tempering over the simmering kadhi and pakoras.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Pakode Wali Kadhi with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or naan.
Why This Pakode Wali Kadhi is a Must-Try:
- Flavor-packed: The combination of crispy pakoras and the tangy, spicy kadhi creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Comfort food at its best: This dish is perfect for a cozy, hearty meal, especially on a cold day.
- Versatile: It pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian breads like roti or rice, making it a versatile option for any meal.
Tips for the Perfect Pakode Wali Kadhi:
- Fry the pakoras until crispy: The key to getting the best texture is to make sure the pakoras are golden brown and crisp before adding them to the kadhi. If they are undercooked, they may turn soggy when added to the kadhi.
- Adjust the kadhi consistency: If the kadhi becomes too thick while simmering, you can add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- Soak the pakoras properly: Let the pakoras soak in the kadhi for a few minutes to absorb all the flavors, but don’t let them sit for too long or they might become too soft.
Conclusion:
Pakode Wali Kadhi is a delightful combination of crispy, golden pakoras in a rich, tangy, and flavorful kadhi. It’s so delicious that you will end up licking your fingers and craving more! Try this recipe and make it your new go-to comfort food. Your family and friends will surely be asking for the recipe!
