Kulith Kadhi
A rustic and earthy Maharashtrian curry made from horse gram flour and tangy yogurt. This nutritious dish, known as Kulithachi Pithi, has a unique flavor and is best enjoyed with steamed rice and a dollop of ghee.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Kadhi Base
- In a medium bowl, combine the horse gram flour and curd. Whisk thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free paste.
- Gradually pour in 3 cups of water while continuing to whisk. This will form a thin, consistent slurry.
- Crush the green chillies, ginger, and garlic into a coarse paste. Add this paste to the slurry.
- Stir in the turmeric powder, powdered jaggery, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Simmer the Kadhi
- Pour the prepared mixture into a heavy-bottomed pot or pan.
- Place the pot on low to medium heat. It is crucial to stir continuously to prevent lumps and stop the curd from splitting.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kadhi thickens slightly and the raw aroma of the flour is gone.
- Avoid a rolling boil, as it can cause the kadhi to curdle.
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- While the kadhi is simmering, heat ghee in a small tempering pan (tadka pan) over medium heat.
- Once the ghee is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely, which takes about 30 seconds.
- Add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for another 20 seconds.
- Add the asafoetida and fresh curry leaves. Stand back as the leaves will crackle and splutter. Sauté for 10 seconds until fragrant.
Combine and Serve
- Immediately and carefully pour the hot tempering over the simmering kadhi. The kadhi will sizzle as you add the tadka.
- Gently stir the tempering into the kadhi.
- Allow the kadhi to simmer for one final minute to absorb the flavors of the tempering.
- Turn off the heat, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, and serve hot with steamed rice or bhakri.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use slightly sour curd (yogurt) for the authentic tangy flavor characteristic of kadhi.
- 2Whisking the flour and curd into a smooth paste before adding water is the key to a lump-free kadhi.
- 3Always cook kadhi on low to medium heat and stir continuously in the beginning to prevent the curd from splitting.
- 4If the kadhi becomes too thick upon cooling, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little hot water and reheating gently.
- 5The jaggery balances the sourness and adds a subtle sweetness. Adjust the amount based on how sour your curd is.
- 6For a richer flavor, let the kadhi rest for about 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the curd with a plant-based yogurt (like cashew or peanut yogurt) and use oil instead of ghee for the tempering.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder along with the turmeric powder or increase the number of green chillies.
No Garlic/OnionNo Garlic/Onion
For a Sattvic or Jain version, you can omit the garlic. The kadhi will still be flavorful from the ginger and other spices.
With KokumWith Kokum
For a different kind of tanginess, you can reduce the curd and add 2-3 pieces of soaked kokum while simmering the kadhi.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein and Fiber
Horse gram is an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which aids in muscle maintenance, promotes satiety, and helps in weight management.
Promotes Gut Health
The use of curd provides beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome, improve digestion, and boost overall immunity.
Good for Bone Health
Both horse gram and curd are good sources of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones and teeth.
Aids in Blood Sugar Control
The high fiber content in horse gram helps in slowing down the absorption of sugar, which can aid in managing blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for diabetics.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Kulith Kadhi (approximately 1 cup or 245g) contains around 165-180 calories, making it a light and nutritious main dish.
