Kadhi, The Soul Food

When I think of soul food or comfort food, Kadhi, Khadi or Khari immediately comes to my mind. It is often paired with Khichdi or also eaten with plain rice or roti. It is a yogurt based gravy containing besan and pakoras. I know my version does not contain pakoras but has an added onions and tomatoes. Now the tomato is purely for garnish and vibrant color and onions… well, I would say, my Mom’s style and I LOVE IT. You can surely omit these two vegetables for sure if you are not used to it.

Comfort food at its best ~ Kadhi

Ingredients:

* 1 cup plain yogurt (non-fat preferred)
* 1 tbsp besan
* 1 tsp oil
* 1/2 tsp jeera
*1/4 tsp of red chilli powder
* 1/4 tsp of haldi powder
* 1/4 tsp rai
* 1/2 small onion sliced
* 1/2 small tomato diced
* 1/4 tsp methi seeds
* Small piece of ginger
* A few kari leaves
* Pinch of hing
* Salt per taste

Directions:
In a bowl add the yogurt, besan, salt, haldi powder, water to the consistency you want and churn it well until smooth. Heat a vessel add 1/2 tsp oil and sauté onions and then add ginger. Pour the yogurt mixture and let it boil making sure to churn in between so that no lumps or formed and the mixture remains smooth. Do not cover it, as it will boil out of the vessel. Cook for about 15 minutes or until any raw smell remains. Heat the remaining oil in a pan, add rai, let it splutter, then jeera, kari leaves and then red chilli powder. Pour on top of the khadi as garnish. Add cilantro if needed for garnish. Serve hot. The taste is truly comforting.

Hot Kadhii ready to be served

TIP: Start with 1 cup water for the above quantity of ingredients while churning but then if the kadhi thickens too much while cooking, add some more to get the consistency you like.