Punjabi Kadhi Pakora is a popular dish in Indian cuisine that consists of a thick, spicy gravy made with chickpea flour (besan) and curd (yogurt), and pakoras, which are deep-fried fritters made with besan. The kadhi is seasoned with spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and the pakoras are made by mixing besan with water to form a batter and adding finely chopped onions and other vegetables. The batter is then dropped by spoonfuls into hot oil and deep-fried until golden brown. The pakoras are then added to the kadhi and the dish is served hot with rice or roti. It is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for a cold winter day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup besan (chickpea flour)
- 1 cup water
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup pakora mix (you can make your own mix by mixing equal parts besan, rice flour, and a pinch of salt)
- 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small tomato, finely chopped
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix the besan and 1 cup of water to form a smooth paste.
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds and fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the onion, tomato, and green chili and fry for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened.
- Add the besan paste, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, and salt and stir to combine.
- Add the 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the kadhi thickens.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add spoonfuls of the pakora mix and fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Once the kadhi is thickened, add the fried pakoras and fresh cilantro and stir to combine.
- Serve the kadhi hot, garnished with additional fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
