How to Make Authentic Punjabi Kadhi Pakora at Home

Punjabi Kadhi Pakora is the epitome of comfort food in North Indian households. With its tangy yogurt-based curry, fragrant spices, and crispy pakoras soaked in luscious gravy, this dish brings warmth to every bite. Perfect with hot rice or roti, it’s a soulful weekend delight. Here’s how to make it at home, the traditional way.

Ingredients

For the Kadhi:

• 2 cups sour curd (yogurt)
• ½ cup besan (gram flour)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• 4 cups water
• 1 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 pinch of hing (asafoetida)
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1 onion (sliced, optional)

For the Pakoras:

• 1 cup besan
• 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 tsp ajwain (carom seeds)
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)
• Oil (for deep frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kadhi Base:
In a large bowl, whisk curd and besan until smooth. Add turmeric, chili powder, salt, and water. Mix well to avoid lumps.

2. Cook the Kadhi:
Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, hing, curry leaves, and red chilies. Once they crackle, add sliced onions if using. Sauté till golden.

Now pour in the curd-besan mixture, stirring continuously. Let it come to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 30–40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Make the Pakoras:
Mix besan, onions, ajwain, salt, and chili powder in a bowl. Add water little by little to make a thick batter.

Heat oil for frying. Drop spoonfuls of the batter and fry till golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.

4. Add Pakoras to Kadhi:
Once the kadhi is thick and cooked well, add the pakoras and let them simmer for 5–10 minutes so they soak up the flavors.

5. Final Tadka (Optional but Delicious):
Heat a spoon of ghee, add mustard seeds, red chili powder, and pour this sizzling tadka over the kadhi just before serving.

Serving Suggestion: Serve hot Punjabi Kadhi Pakora with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice. Add papad and pickle on the side for a wholesome traditional experience.

Punjabi Kadhi Pakora is not just a dish; it’s an emotion served hot with love and tradition. Whether you're new to Indian cuisine or looking to recreate mom’s recipe, this kadhi promises flavor, comfort, and a little nostalgia in every spoon.