Exquisite Gujarati Kadhi

Kadhi, a traditional dish from Gujarat that is enjoyed in homes all throughout the state, is a delicious example of the state's culinary creativity. This soup, made with sour yogurt, is a wonderful example of Gujarat's dedication to making comfort food. The cornerstone of traditional Gujarati Kadhi is a silky mash of yogurt and besan (gram flour), which is slowly cooked to produce a comforting, creamy consistency. Kadhi gets its intoxicating scent and flavor from the use of fragrant spices including fenugreek seeds, curry leaves, and ginger.

The exquisite harmony of flavors in traditional Gujarati Kadhi is what sets it apart. Sweetening yogurt with jaggery or sugar brings out its natural mild tanginess. An additional layer of flavor is brought out by tempering with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida. The allure of Gujarati Kadhi goes beyond its delicious flavor. It's a comforting staple at both special occasions and regular meals, bringing loved ones closer together over a shared bowl. When combined with steamed rice and other sides like khichdi or roti, kadhi creates a balanced and filling lunch. The spirit of Gujarat, a place that expertly combines tradition and comfort to produce recipes that elicit nostalgia and a feeling of belonging, can be found in every mouthful of Gujarati Kadhi.

• Origin: Gujarat, India
• Category: Gujarati Kadhi is a Gujarati Vegetarian Side Dish which is considered Main Course
• Ingredient: Yogurt, Gram Flour (Besan), Spices are treated as main ingredients for this recipe. Other ingredients used are Curry Leaves, Mustard Seeds, Fenugreek
• Time and Flavour: This recipe takes approx 30-40 mins and the flavour is Tangy and Spicy
• Nutritional Information: Gujarati Kadhi contains 100 kcal calories per 100 g serving. This serving contains 5 g of fat, 3 g of protein and 10 g of carbohydrate. The latter is 7 g sugar and 1 g of dietary fiber, the rest is other nutritional component. [ These values may vary based on ingredients used and its quantity ]

Photo Credit: AboutUttarakhand.com

Kadhi, a meal made from yogurt that is both comforting and refreshing, is a staple in Gujarati cuisine. Served with steaming rice or khichdi, this savory meal is made by combining yogurt and gram flour (besan) to form a smooth and gently spiced soup-like consistency.

Besan and yogurt are blended together until smooth to make Gujarati Kadhi. To this, water and seasonings like turmeric, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, and green chilies are added. Creamy and tangy tastes complement one another in this delicious besan and yogurt dish.

To avoid lumping, the ingredients are constantly mixed while simmering over low heat until the liquid thickens and becomes smooth. To further elevate the taste of the Kadhi, a tempering of mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and dried red chilies is sautéed in ghee and then added to the dish.

Traditionally, chopped cilantro and plenty of rice are served with Gujarati Kadhi. It’s cozy and nourishing because of the yogurt’s mild sourness, which pairs well with the dish’s warming spices and smooth texture.

Kadhi exemplifies the spirit of the Gujarati food, which is minimalistic yet tasty, and places a focus on harmony between contrasting flavors.

• Yoghurt [ दही ], 1 Cup
  → Whisked.
• Gram Flour [ बेसन ], 3 Tablespoons
  
• Water [ पानी ], 3 Cups
  
• Ginger-Green Chili Paste [ अदरक-हरी मिर्च पेस्ट ], 1 Teaspoon
  
• Turmeric Powder [ हल्दी चूर्ण ], 1/2 Teaspoon
  
• Asafoetida [ हींग ], A pinch
  
• Curry Leaves [ कढ़ी पत्ता ], A few Grams
  
• Mustard Seeds [ सरसों के बीज ], 1/2 Teaspoon
  
• Cumin Seeds [ जीरा ], 1/2 Teaspoon
  
• Fenugreek Seeds [ मैथी दाना ], 1/4 Teaspoon
  
• Mustard Oil [ सरसों का तेल ], 1 Tablespoon
  → Use Any Oil Of Your Choice.
• Sugar [ चीनी ], 1 Teaspoon
  → Optional.
• Salt [ नमक ], As desired
  
• Clarified Butter [ घी ], 1 Tablespoon
  → To Be Used For Tempering.
• Red Chili Powder [ लाल मिर्च चूर्ण ], 1/2 Teaspoon
  → To Be Used For Tempering.

.

• Whisk together yogurt, besan, and water in a mixing basin. Mix well to prevent lumps.
• To the mixture, add the ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder, and asafoetida.
• Heat the oil in a frying pan. Add the mustard, cumin, and fenugreek seeds. Allow them to cough.
• To the pan, add the curry leaves and the yogurt-besan mixture. To prevent sticking, constantly stir.
• Bring the kadhi to a boil over medium heat, stirring regularly.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer the kadhi for 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly.
• To taste, add sugar and salt. Blend well.
• To Temper follow these steps. In a small saucepan, heat the ghee for tempering.
• Stir in the red chili powder and remove from the heat immediately to avoid burning.
• Pour this tempering over the kadhi that has been cooked.
• Serve over steamed rice or khichdi to complement the fragrant Gujarati kadhi.

• Probiotic Benefits of Gujarati Kadhi – The use of yogurt in kadhi gives healthy probiotics that assist gut health and digestion.
• Nutrient-dense – Gujarati kadhi often contains besan and yogurt, which provide B vitamins, protein, and calcium.
• Digestive Aid – The combination of besan and yogurt supports gut health and digestion.
• Hydration – Gujarati kadhi has a fluid nature, which contributes to hydration levels.
• Spices and herbs – The addition of spices like turmeric and curry leaves to kadhi may provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Although these components may offer some health benefits, it's crucial to keep in mind that everyone's experience may vary, and they must be consumed in moderation as a part of a balanced diet. If you have any specific health issues or concerns, it's recommended to speak with a healthcare provider.

Gujarati Kadhi is a classic example of the skillful blending of tastes and textures that characterizes Gujarati cuisine. This dish, made with yogurt and thickened with gram flour, exemplifies the harmony and simplicity that are hallmarks of Gujarati cuisine. Care and accuracy are ingrained in the culinary traditions of the state, and this dish reflects that in its creation.

‘Gujarati Kadhi’ is a comfort meal with deep cultural roots and a long history of tradition that spans centuries. It is an example of the evolving cuisine and welcoming culture of Gujarat and is traditionally served with steamed rice.

The dish’s fame has spread beyond the area, into homes and hearts all around the United States. Gujarati Kadhi is more than simply a dish; it is a trip through the history, culture, and customs that have made Gujarati food so beloved throughout India.