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Peas and Paneer Kadhi (Indian Yogurt Soup)

Peas and Paneer Kadhi (Indian Yogurt Soup)

Kadhi is a soup I learned to cook when I was around thirteen years old and I have learned to love making it. The process is so practical that cooking it totally relaxes me. My version of kadhi is a souped up (hehe) version of traditional Gujarati kadhi as I decided to add peas, paneer and onions to make it more substantial. This is something my Nana Bapu (maternal grandfather) used to do when he made kadhi– minus the paneer. So definitely feel free to add whichever vegetables you like to this! I totally love paneer so couldn’t resist shallow frying some and adding it, but it is really up to you what you choose to put into your kadhi. The Punjabi version of kadhi is traditionally thicker than the Gujarati and it is eaten with pakora. My version is a lighter alternative and is great with fluffy basmati rice, dry mung bean curry (recipe coming soon) and chapattis. Or just on its own!

Ingredients

4 cups plain natural yogurt
¼ cup chickpea flour (besan)
5 cups water
1 tbsp clarified butter (ghee)
4 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp ginger, minced
2 green chillies, minced
1 onion, sliced lengthways
½ cup peas (I used frozen)
½ cup paneer, cubed
1 ½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp mustard seeds
3 cloves
5-6 curry leaves (sweet neem leaves)
2 cardamom pods, whole
1 inch piece of cinnamon
½ tsp asafoetida
1 tsp turmeric
Salt to taste (don’t be too shy with seasoning the kadhi)
Sugar to taste (TIP: If your yogurt is a little sour then always add more sugar- Gujarati kadhi is supposed to be a little sweet)
Oil to shallow fry the paneer
½ cup chopped coriander

chickpea flour

Chickpea flour a.k.a.Besan

Method

1. In a blender mix the yogurt, chickpea flour, water, garlic, ginger and chillies. Blend until smooth. Set aside.

kadhi raw mixture

Like this

2. Heat the ghee in a large, wide pan and add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, curry leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon, onions and asafoetida. Temper for a few seconds.

kadhi vaghar- temper

Tempering the spices… The best smell in the world! After chocolate of course!

3. Quickly add the yogurt mixtures and heat on a medium flame. (TIP: This is the most crucial part of the recipe which requires you to KEEP STIRRING no matter what! The chickpea flour stabilizes the yogurt to a certain extent but if the heat is not distributed evenly then the mixture will most certainly curdle… yuck). Therefore, constant stirring until the mixture reaches boiling point is vital. At this point add the salt, sugar and turmeric. When it has reached boiling point it is okay to stop stirring but ensure it is on a low flame while you fry the paneer.

4. Heat enough oil to fry the paneer in a wok, add the paneer and allow to lightly brown. Remove from the wok and drain the paneer on kitchen paper to remove any excess oil.

Paneer

Take these away from me because I might just eat them all now!

5. Add the peas and paneer to the kadhi and allow to boil again for two minutes.

6. Garnish with chopped coriander and enjoy!
 
Peas and Paneer Kadhi (Indian Yogurt Soup) 2

Can someone get me a spoon???

Share this recipe

Cardamom

Monday 23rd of November 2009

Love it! I love kadhi and paneer in ANY form. Looks really good.

Rohini

Monday 19th of October 2009

That was indeed a yummy variation from the usual "Mor Kozhambu" we make!Hey gal, thanks for dropping by and leaving your lovely comments! And your style of writing! Man, I'm loving it!!! Will be coming back often.. :)

MaryMoh

Sunday 18th of October 2009

This soup looks so delicious & inviting. I didn't know yoghurt can be used to make soup. I'll try that one day. Thanks for sharing

Rochelle

Sunday 18th of October 2009

Your soup looks delicious! Since my hubby and I love soup I'll definitely have to try this one sometime :)

Sanjana

Sunday 18th of October 2009

Thank you everyone :) I do hope you try it, it's such a comforting soup at this cold time of year!