Authentic Banarasi Kadhi: Two Tempting Tadka Styles
1 hour 15 minutes
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About Authentic Banarasi Kadhi: Two Tempting Tadka Styles
Transport yourself to the vibrant streets of Varanasi with this authentic Banarasi Kadhi recipe. Imagine crispy gram flour pakoras swimming in a tangy, spiced buttermilk gravy – a symphony of flavors waiting to be explored.This recipe isn't just a dish; it's an experience. We offer two unique tadka options – a classic saunf-methi and a fragrant whole spice variation – so you can customize the aroma and taste to your liking.Serve this comforting Kadhi hot with fluffy steamed rice for a truly unforgettable culinary journey. It's the perfect way to savor the rich heritage of Varanasi from your own kitchen.
Recipe Time & More
Prep30 minutes
Cook45 minutes
Total1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
Tadka Option 1: Saunf-Methi Tadka
- 1/2 tsp Fennel Seeds
- 1/2 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1/4 tsp Fenugreek Seeds
- 1/4 tsp Nigella Seeds
- 2-4 Chili dried, red, whole
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1 tbsp Mustard Oil
Tadka Option 2: Whole Spice Tadka
- 2 Cardamom black pods
- 4 Cardamom green pods
- 2-4 Bay Leaf
- 1 inch Cinnamon Stick
- 4 Clove
- 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
Kadhi Pakoras and Gravy
- 250 gm Gram Flour besan
- 6-8 tbsp Mustard Oil for deep frying
- 1 cup Water
- 2 cup Buttermilk for best flavor, or sour curd
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp Chili Powder optional, red
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 1/4 tsp Asafoetida
- 6-8 clove Garlic
- 1 inch Ginger
- Chili green, to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together most of the gram flour (reserve 2 tablespoons) with water until a thick, smooth batter forms, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Whisk the batter vigorously until light and airy. To check for readiness, drop a small amount of batter into a bowl of water; if it floats, the batter is ready.
- Heat mustard oil in a wok for deep frying. Add salt, cumin seeds, and asafoetida to the batter. Drop small portions of the batter into the hot oil, frying until golden brown and crispy. Remove pakoras and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Grind ginger, garlic, and green chilies into a smooth paste. In a bowl, combine the reserved gram flour, ginger-garlic-chili paste, salt, and turmeric with the buttermilk (or sour curd). Gently fold in the fried pakoras and let them soak for 30 minutes. This allows the pakoras to absorb the flavors and soften slightly.
For Tadka Option 1:
- Heat mustard oil in a deep pan. Add the ingredients for Tadka Option 1, allowing them to splutter and release their aroma. Pour in the pakora-buttermilk mixture. Add water if needed to adjust consistency. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring gently. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- (Optional) Heat ghee in a separate pan, add red chili powder, and immediately pour over the prepared kadhi for an added layer of flavor. Be cautious as chili powder can burn quickly.
For Tadka Option 2:
- In a deep pan, bring the pakora-buttermilk mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-6 minutes. Add water to adjust consistency. In a separate pan, heat ghee and add the ingredients for Tadka Option 2. Once fragrant, pour the tadka over the simmering kadhi. Remove from heat.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- You can add onions, potatoes, chilies, ginger, and green coriander to the gram flour mixture for the pakodas.
- Ensure no lumps form while preparing the batter.
Expert Tips
- For a richer flavor, temper the kadhi with cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and dried red chilies.
- Adjust the consistency of the kadhi by adding more water or yogurt as needed.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a drizzle of ghee or oil before serving.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover kadhi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat before serving.
Also See
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 574kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 191mgPotassium: 872mgFiber: 9gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 615IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 219mgIron: 5mg
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Absolutely mouthwatering! Great share.
Looks so good! Can’t wait to try it.
Such a lovely dish! Thanks for sharing.