Nadru Yakhni

Name: Nadru Yakhni
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: kashmiri
Ingredients: 500 g lotus stem (peeled, cleaned well, cut into thick rounds); 1.5 cup yogurt (plain, whisked until smooth); 1 tbsp mustard oil; 3 cup water (for simmering gravy); 2 tsp fennel powder; 1 tsp dry ginger powder; 3 pcs green cardamom (lightly crushed); 3 pcs cloves; 1 pcs bay leaf; 1 inch cinnamon (small piece); 1 pinch asafoetida; 1 pinch black pepper; 0.5 tsp salt

RATING

4.3/5(28)

TASTE SCORE

7/10

Tender lotus stem pieces simmered in a gentle yogurt gravy scented with fennel, dry ginger, and whole spices. This Kashmiri classic is light, aromatic, and especially comforting with steamed rice.

PREP

20m

COOK

35m

SERVES

1 KATORI

190 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 8 STEPS

prep · ~10 min
Prepare the lotus stem.
1.Wash the lotus stem very well to remove any grit from the holes.
2.Peel the outer skin and cut into thick rounds.
3.Rinse once more and keep aside.
TIPClean the holes well so the gravy stays smooth and grit-free.
boil · ~15 min
Boil the lotus stem until just tender.
Place the lotus stem in a pot with enough water to cover and boil until just tender but not mushy, about 12 to 15 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
TIPDo not overcook here; the lotus stem will simmer again in the yogurt gravy.
mix · ~3 min
Whisk the yogurt and spices.
In a bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Mix in the fennel powder, dry ginger powder, black pepper, and salt until no lumps remain.
saute · ~2 min
Heat the oil and warm the whole spices.
1.Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat until it just begins to smoke lightly.
2.Lower the heat and add asafoetida, green cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon.
3.Stir for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant.
TIPLower the heat before adding the spices so they perfume the oil without burning.
simmer · ~7 min
Build the yakhni gravy.
1.Add the whisked yogurt mixture to the pan on low heat.
2.Stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes so the yogurt stays smooth.
3.Add water little by little, stirring well after each addition.
4.Bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
TIPKeep the heat low while adding yogurt to prevent splitting.
simmer · ~15 min
Simmer the lotus stem in the gravy.
Add the boiled lotus stem to the pan and simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes, until the gravy is lightly thickened and the lotus stem has absorbed the flavors.
rest · ~5 min
Let the yakhni rest for 5 minutes.
serve
Serve hot with steamed rice.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Scrub inside the lotus stem holes thoroughly; trapped grit is the main thing that can spoil this delicate gravy.
2
Boil nadru only until a knife meets slight resistance, since it cooks again in the yakhni and should keep its shape.
3
Whisk the yogurt completely smooth before it hits the pan so the gravy stays velvety rather than grainy.
4
After the mustard oil lightly smokes, reduce the heat before adding spices; this tames raw pungency without scorching them.
5
Add the yogurt mixture on low heat and stir constantly for the first few minutes to prevent splitting.
6
Pour in the water gradually while stirring so the yogurt emulsifies into a smooth, pale gravy.
7
Rest the dish before serving; the fennel, dry ginger, and whole spices bloom more clearly after a few minutes off the heat.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

low oil

Low-oil

Use a little less mustard oil and temper the whole spices very briefly; good if you want a lighter everyday version while keeping the classic flavor profile.

no hing