Palak ki Kadi
A comforting and tangy yogurt and chickpea flour curry, enriched with the goodness of fresh spinach. This wholesome North Indian dish, known as Palak ki Kadi, is a perfect pairing for steamed rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Kadi Base
- b.In a large mixing bowl, add the yogurt and gram flour.
- c.Whisk thoroughly until you have a completely smooth, lump-free paste.
- d.Gradually pour in 4 cups of water while continuing to whisk to maintain a smooth consistency.
- e.Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the ghee is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter, which should take about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, and broken dried red chilies. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- f.Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Cook for one more minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Spinach
- b.Add the roughly chopped spinach to the pot.
- c.Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts completely.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Kadi
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Slowly and carefully pour the prepared yogurt-gram flour mixture into the pot, stirring continuously and vigorously to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
- c.Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, still stirring frequently. This can take 5-7 minutes.
- d.Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- e.The kadi will thicken slightly and the raw taste of gram flour will be gone.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finishing Touches
- b.Turn off the heat and stir in the garam masala.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or roti.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best tangy flavor, use yogurt that is slightly sour. If your yogurt is fresh, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours to sour naturally.
- 2The most crucial step is to stir the kadi continuously while bringing it to a boil. This prevents the yogurt from splitting or curdling.
- 3Simmering the kadi on low heat for at least 15 minutes is essential to cook the gram flour properly and develop a deep, rich flavor.
- 4Do not cover the pot completely while simmering, as kadi has a tendency to boil over. Keep the lid slightly ajar.
- 5For a richer color and flavor, you can prepare a final tempering (tadka) of 1 tsp ghee, a pinch of asafoetida, and 1/2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder. Pour this over the kadi just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Pakoras
For a classic Punjabi Kadi Pakora, omit the spinach and add pre-made onion or mixed vegetable pakoras (fritters) to the kadi during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
No Onion/GarlicNo Onion/Garlic
For a Sattvic or Jain version, you can skip the onion and garlic. The kadi will still be delicious due to the other spices.
Vegan VersionVegan Version
Replace the yogurt with a plant-based sour yogurt (like cashew or soy) and use a neutral oil instead of ghee.
Gujarati StyleGujarati Style
For a sweeter and thinner version, omit the onion, garlic, and spinach. Add a piece of jaggery or a teaspoon of sugar and some chopped ginger and green chilies to the yogurt mixture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Promotes Gut Health
The yogurt in kadi is a natural probiotic, which introduces beneficial bacteria to your gut, aiding digestion and improving overall gut health.
Rich in Iron and Vitamins
Spinach is an excellent source of iron, which is vital for blood production, as well as vitamins A, C, and K, which support vision, immunity, and bone health.
Good Source of Protein
The combination of gram flour (besan) and yogurt provides a good amount of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety.
High in Fiber
Gram flour and spinach are both high in dietary fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes regular bowel movements, and keeps you feeling full longer.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is a very healthy and balanced dish. It provides protein from gram flour and yogurt, essential vitamins and minerals like iron and Vitamin K from spinach, and digestive benefits from probiotics in yogurt and spices.