Gujarati Kadhi is a belly-warming concoction of spiced yoghurt and gram flour. It's light comfort food typical of this coastal region of India, although almost every region will have its' unique take on the dish. My favourite version of Kadhi is hot, sour and slightly sweet. Traditionally served with rice, khichdi or rotli.
Place the yoghurt in a large bowl. Add the chickpea flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add half of the water, whisking all the time to ensure lumps don't form.
Heat the ghee in a large pan. Once hot, add mustard seeds and wait for them to finish crackling. Next, add the following ingredients in quick succession: cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, cloves, cinnamon or cassia, dried red chillies and curry leaves. Cook them very briefly and don't let them burn.
Add ginger, garlic and green chillies. Sauté for a further 30-40 seconds.
Pour in the yoghurt mixture and stir well. Next, add the ground turmeric, sugar, salt and remaining water. Now keep this over a medium heat, stirring all the time until it comes to a boil. It will thicken as it cooks. Be sure to stir constantly until it reaches boiling point, or the Kadhi may curdle.
Once the Kadhi comes to a boil, turn the heat down low and allow to simmer gently for 15 minutes. This will give the spices time to infuse.
Switch the heat off, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with rice, khichdi or rotli.
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Notes
If you're making the Kadhi ahead of time, you may find it thickens as it cools. Feel free to adjust the consistency to your liking by adding additional water.
This style of Kadhi should be sour, hot and slightly sweet. The balance of these three flavour profiles is essential in Gujarati Kadhi.
The Kadhi will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container and heat thoroughly before serving.
Kadhi freezes particularly well. Pack into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature. Ensure Kadhi is piping hot before you serve.