Making Kadhi Pakora: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kary Pakora is a delicious traditional dish that combines a flavorful yogurt-based curry with fried gram flour fritters. Follow this detailed guide to prepare this dish perfectly.

Ingredients:

For the kadhi:

- 5 tablespoons besan (gram flour)

- ½ cup curd (yogurt)

- 1 onion, chopped

- 2 tablespoons red chili powder

- Salt to taste

- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder

- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon green chili paste

- 3 glasses water

For the Pakoras:

- 7 tablespoons besan (gram flour)

- 2 large onions, chopped

- 2 green chilies, chopped

- 1 tablespoon dhaniya (coriander) powder

- 1 tablespoon red chili powder

- Salt to taste

- Pinch of turmeric powder

- 1 tablespoon chaat masala

- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds

- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, crushed

- A bunch of coriander leaves, chopped

- A bunch of mint leaves, chopped

For the Tadka (tempering):

- 1 tablespoon raidana (mustard seeds)

- ½ onion, chopped

- 8 dried red chilies

- 1 tablespoon cumin seeds

- A bunch of curry leaves

- A pinch of baking soda

 Preparation for the Curry

1. Mixing the Base:

   - In a large mixing bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of besan with ½ cup of curd.

   - Add 2 tablespoons of red chili powder, 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon of ginger garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of green chili paste, and salt to taste.

   - Gradually add 3 glasses of water while mixing to ensure there are no lumps. The consistency should be smooth and slightly runny.

2. Cooking the kadhi Base:

   - Transfer the mixture to a large pot and cook on low heat for about 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking helps eliminate the raw taste of the besan and develops a rich flavor.

 Preparation for the Pakoras

1. Mixing the Pakora Batter:

   - In a bowl, combine 7 tablespoons of besan with the chopped onions, green chilies, 1 tablespoon of dhaniya powder, 1 tablespoon of red chili powder, and a pinch of turmeric powder.

   - Add 1 tablespoon of chaat masala, 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds, 1 tablespoon of crushed coriander seeds, and salt to taste.

   - Mix in the chopped coriander leaves and mint leaves.

2. Making the Pakoras:

   - Gradually add water to the mixture until you get a thick batter.

   - Heat oil in a deep frying pan.

   - Using a spoon, drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy. Ensure the pakoras are small so they cook evenly and are easy to eat.

Combining kadhi and Pakoras

1. Integrating Pakoras into the kadhi:

   - Once the curry base has cooked for the required time, gently add the prepared pakoras into the kadhi.

   - Let the pakoras simmer in the kadhi on low heat for about 30 minutes. This allows the pakoras to absorb the kadhi flavors and become tender.

 Preparing the Tadka (Tempering)

1. Frying the Tadka:

   - In a small frying pan, heat some oil.

   - Add 1 tablespoon of raidana (mustard seeds) and let them splutter.

   - Add ½ chopped onion, 8 dried red chilies, 1 tablespoon of cumin seeds, and a bunch of kadhi leaves.

   - Fry until the onions are golden brown and the spices are aromatic.

   - Add a pinch of baking soda and mix well.

2. Adding the Tadka to the kadhi:

   - Pour the hot tadka over the simmering curry pakora mixture.

   - Mix gently and let it cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving:

Serve the Kadhi Pakora hot with plain steamed rice or any Indian bread of your choice. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting dish with your family and friends!

Cooking Tips

- Consistency:

 Ensure the kadhi has a smooth consistency. If it’s too thick, add more water gradually.

- Cooking Time:

Slow cooking is crucial for developing deep flavors and ensuring the besan loses its raw taste.

- Pakoras:

 Fry the pakoras until they are crispy. This prevents them from becoming too soggy when added to the curry.

- Tadka:

 Be careful while preparing the tadka. It should be aromatic but not burnt.

 Conclusion:

Kary Pakora is a delightful dish that brings together the tanginess of yogurt and the earthiness of gram flour, enhanced by a blend of spices. The detailed steps provided ensure you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making this dish a standout at any meal. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of your homemade Kadhi Pakora!