When it comes to wholesome, soul-satisfying Indian meals, Kadhi Pakora easily tops the list. This creamy, tangy yogurt-based curry combined with soft,
spongy gram flour fritters is a dish that not only warms the heart but also brings back memories of traditional home-cooked meals. Popular across North India and enjoyed in many variations throughout the country, Kadhi Pakora is more than just food—it’s comfort served in a bowl.
In this article, you’ll discover everything about Kadhi Pakora—its origin, ingredients, health benefits, and a detailed step-by-step recipe that even beginners can follow with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients for Kadhi Pakora:
For the Pakoras (Fritters):
1 cup gram flour (besan)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 green chili, chopped
1 tsp carom seeds (ajwain)
½ tsp red chili powder
½ tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
Water (to make batter)
Oil for frying
For the Kadhi (Curry):
1 cup yogurt (slightly sour works best)
4 tbsp gram flour (besan)
4 cups water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1-2 green chilies, slit
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
Salt to taste
For Tempering (Tadka):
2 tbsp ghee or oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp mustard seeds
1 pinch asafoetida (hing)
8–10 curry leaves
2 dried red chilies
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pakoras
1. In a bowl, mix gram flour, onions, chilies, ajwain, salt, and spices.
2. Gradually add a little water and mix to make a thick, smooth batter.
3. Heat oil in a deep pan.
4. Drop spoonfuls of batter and fry until golden brown.
5. Remove on a paper towel and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Kadhi Base
1. In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, besan, turmeric, chili powder, and salt.
2. Add 4 cups of water gradually, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pot, sauté onions, ginger-garlic paste, and chilies until golden.
4. Pour in the yogurt-besan mixture, stir continuously to avoid curdling.
5. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer on low flame for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
Step 3: Add the Pakoras
1. Once the kadhi has thickened, gently add the fried pakoras.
2. Let them soak in the curry for 5–7 minutes so they turn soft and flavorful.
Step 4: Tempering (Tadka)
1. Heat ghee in a small pan.
2. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, hing, curry leaves, and dried red chilies.
3. Pour this hot tempering over the kadhi.
4. Cover immediately to trap the flavors.
Step 5: Serve
Serve Kadhi Pakora hot with steamed basmati rice, jeera rice, or chapati. A side of papad, pickle, and salad makes it even more delicious!
Health Benefits of Kadhi Pakora
While it’s often considered a comfort food, Kadhi Pakora also offers several health benefits:
Probiotics from Yogurt – Supports digestion and gut health.
Protein & Fiber – Besan is a great source of plant-based protein.
Spices – Turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties.
Balanced Meal – When served with rice, it provides a good mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
Variations You Can Try
1. Spinach Kadhi Pakora Add chopped spinach in pakoras for extra nutrition.
2. No-Fry Kadhi Pakora – Make pakoras in an appe pan or bake them for a healthier version.
3. Gujarati Sweet Kadhi – Add jaggery or sugar for a sweet-sour flavor.
4. Rajasthani Kadhi – Skip onions and garlic for a spicier, sattvic-style kadhi.
Kadhi Pakora in Indian Culture
Kadhi Pakora isn’t just foodit’s emotion. In North India, it’s a traditional dish often cooked on weekends or during rainy days when the family sits together for a comforting meal. The combination of kadhi and rice is so popular that people lovingly call it Kadhi Chawal,
In fact, many Indian households consider it the go-to dish when they want something delicious yet simple, especially during cold weather or after heavy festive meals.
Final Thoughts
Kadhi Pakora is a timeless Indian dish that beautifully balances flavors and textures—creamy, tangy curry with soft pakoras soaking in its richness. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to win hearts.
So, the next time you crave comfort food, skip takeout and prepare this homemade Kadhi Pakora. Pair it with steaming hot rice, and you’ll have a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!