Every state in India boasts its own unique kadhi, but Punjabi Besan Kadhi stands apart. It's a traditional and incredibly delicious dish commonly made in North Indian households. The combination of yogurt and gram flour (besan), along with onions, garlic, and spices, creates an exceptionally flavorful result. Punjabi Kadhi is not only tasty but also very beneficial for health; it provides a cooling effect and is easy to digest.
Punjabi Kadhi is typically prepared in two ways – a simple kadhi and one with pakoras (fritters). Today, we'll share a recipe for a healthy and tasty Punjabi Besan Kadhi without pakoras, which is incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients for Punjabi Besan Kadhi
- 1 ½ cups sour yogurt
- 2 tablespoons gram flour (besan)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 cloves
- Pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 4-5 curry leaves
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon finely chopped green chilies
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 1 ½ cups water
Punjabi Besan Kadhi – Easy Step-by-Step Method
Punjabi Besan Kadhi is a traditional North Indian recipe that's simple to prepare. The yogurt and gram flour, combined with onions, spices, and garlic, create a delicious and healthy dish. Let's understand the easy step-by-step method.
- Step 1: First, in a large bowl, add 1 ½ cups of yogurt and 2 tablespoons of gram flour. Whisk this mixture thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps. It should be smooth and slightly thin. Add a little water if needed to achieve a good consistency.
- Step 2: Now, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a deep pan or pot. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and 2 cloves. As soon as the cumin seeds splutter, immediately add a pinch of asafoetida and 4-5 curry leaves. This tempering (tadka) adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the kadhi.
- Step 3: Add 1 teaspoon of finely minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. When the garlic turns light golden and its aroma is released, add ¼ cup of finely chopped onion and sauté lightly.
- Step 4: Now add the whisked yogurt-gram flour mixture. Also add 1 ½ cups of water and ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
- Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and add salt to taste and ½ teaspoon of finely chopped green chilies. Cook for 8-10 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the kadhi to thicken gradually.
- Step 6: When the kadhi starts to simmer and has thickened slightly, turn off the heat. Transfer it to a serving bowl and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped cilantro on top.
- Step 7: Your hot Punjabi Besan Kadhi is ready! Serve it with roti, paratha, or jeera rice. It's incredibly delicious and healthy. Try it for lunch or dinner.
Health Benefits of Punjabi Besan Kadhi
Punjabi Besan Kadhi is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits. The ingredients used, such as gram flour, yogurt, garlic, and Indian spices, provide various health advantages.
- Gram Flour (Besan) – Protein and Low Glycemic Food: Gram flour is an excellent source of protein. It also contains healthy fats essential for the body. Furthermore, gram flour has a low glycemic index, making it a good option for diabetics. It digests slowly, helping to control blood sugar and promoting a feeling of fullness for longer periods.
- Yogurt – Beneficial for Digestion and Immunity: Yogurt is a natural probiotic containing beneficial bacteria that improve digestion. In summer, yogurt provides a cooling effect and keeps the stomach light. It offers relief from issues like diarrhea or acidity. The calcium and vitamins in yogurt strengthen bones.
- Garlic and Spices – Boost Immunity: Spices like garlic, asafoetida, curry leaves, and turmeric are not only used for flavor but also help balance body heat and strengthen immunity. Garlic is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties, protecting against colds, coughs, and infections.
