Punjabi Kadhi Pakora Recipe

Introduction

If there’s one dish that truly embodies the comfort and warmth of traditional Punjabi cuisine, it’s Kadhi Pakora. This rich, creamy, and tangy yogurt-based curry, infused with gram flour (besan) and aromatic spices, is paired with crispy pakoras, making it an irresistible meal.

Unlike other curries, Punjabi Kadhi Pakora is slow-cooked, allowing the flavors to fully develop. The key to its delicious taste lies in the perfectly spiced yogurt gravy and the crispy, melt-in-the-mouth pakoras. Whether served with steamed rice or hot chapatis, this dish is pure comfort food at its best!

What Makes Punjabi Kadhi Pakora Special?

✔️ Rich, Creamy Texture – Thanks to slow-cooked, thick yogurt gravy.
✔️ Flavorful & Aromatic – Infused with whole spices and tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
✔️ Crispy Pakoras – A delicious contrast to the silky kadhi, adding texture and depth.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Kadhi (Yogurt Gravy):

• 1 cup yogurt (curd)
• 4 tbsp gram flour (besan)
• 3 cups water
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 10–12 curry leaves
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger & garlic
• 1 onion (thinly sliced)

For the Pakoras:

• ½ cup gram flour (besan)
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 1 finely chopped green chili
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed for batter consistency)
• Oil for deep frying

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Prepare the Pakoras

1️⃣ In a bowl, mix gram flour, onions, green chili, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric, and salt.
2️⃣ Slowly add water, stirring until you get a thick batter.
3️⃣ Heat oil in a deep pan and drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil.
4️⃣ Fry until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.

2. Cook the Kadhi (Yogurt Gravy)

1️⃣ In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, gram flour, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and water until smooth.
2️⃣ Heat ghee/oil in a pot, then add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and sliced onions.
3️⃣ Sauté until golden and fragrant.
4️⃣ Slowly pour in the yogurt-besan mixture, stirring continuously.
5️⃣ Simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add Pakoras & Serve

1️⃣ Once the kadhi has thickened, drop the fried pakoras into the gravy.
2️⃣ Let them soak in for 5 minutes, allowing them to absorb flavor.
3️⃣ Garnish with fresh coriander and a final ghee tempering (optional).

Serving & Pairing Suggestions

🍛 Best Served With: Steamed basmati rice or hot chapatis.
🌿 Garnish With: Fresh cilantro and a drizzle of ghee for extra richness.
🔥 Upgrade Flavor: Add kasuri methi (dried fenugreek) for an earthy touch.

Final Thoughts

Punjabi Kadhi Pakora is one of those dishes that bring warmth and nostalgia, reminding you of home-cooked meals filled with love and tradition. Whether you're making it for a weekend indulgence or a special feast, this creamy, flavorful dish will always satisfy.

Now it's your turn—try this recipe today and let your kitchen be filled with rich, aromatic flavors! 😊