The Interesting Story Behind Kadhi Rice: 7 Varieties Of Kadhi You Must Try

Kadhi has always been on the list of our favorite foods since ages. When paired with rice, it makes a meal that one cannot say no to. In fact, this popular Indian dish made with curd and gram flour deserves all praise as it never fails to enhance our dining experience. What gives us immense pleasure is that you will find unique regional versions of comforting kadhis. There are Punjabi kadhis, Maharashtrian kadhis, Sindhi kadhis and many more – and each recipe has some basic differences according to the taste of the region. According to celebrity chef Kunal Kapoor, “Besan and curd (or buttermilk) remain constant in every recipe. It’s just the tadka that varies from place to place.” But have you ever wondered where this classic dish came from? Where was the curry rice invented? Here we have got all the answers for you.

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History of Kadhi in India | Where did the dish come from?

If you trace the food culture of India, you will find that curry is a constant in almost every regional cuisine. But it is widely believed that the dish has its roots in Rajasthani cuisine, where people started using dairy products to make up for the lack of vegetables. Some further say that the recipe of Kadhi came into existence to make use of the extra milk and curd in the kitchen. Chef Kunal Kapoor explains, “According to food historians, kadhi was first made in Rajasthan, which later migrated to the Gujarat and Sindh regions.”

Food historian KT Acharya further states that some believe that curry is the “precursor to what is known as British curry” and originated in the northwestern region of India. “The British were introduced to this spicy dish much earlier than foods from the south; they entered India via the northwestern city of Surat in the early 1600s, making kadhi possibly the original curry.” Gone,” he says.

Over the years, the curry traveled to different parts of India, where people added pakoras, kokum, curry leaves, etc. to add regional flavor to the dish. Besides being delicious, Kadhi Super healthy too.

health benefits of kadhi | Why is Kadhi healthy?:

The two key ingredients in kadhi – gram flour and curd – are loaded with several essential nutrients, making this dish ideal for everyday consumption. Let us learn about some of the major health benefits of Kadhi.

1. Promote Weight Loss:

Both gram flour and curd are rich in proteins which help keep you full for longer and promote digestion. Both of these facilitate weight loss.

2. Manage Iron Levels:

Both gram flour and curd are rich in protein and iron – a perfect combination to increase the hemoglobin levels in the body. This further helps protect us from various health problems caused due to iron deficiency.

3. Promote Skin and Hair Health:

Gram flour in curries is known to promote collagen formation; On the other hand, curd is rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Both these nutrients help in keeping the skin nourished and promote strong and healthy hair and skin.

4. Manage Diabetes:

The ingredients used to prepare the kadhi have a low glycemic index, which helps manage blood sugar levels. Hence, this dish is known to be an ideal option to include in a diabetic diet. But make sure you opt for brown rice or bajra roti.

5. Increase immunity:

Yogurt is rich in probiotics which help in promoting good bacteria in our gut. It helps in maintaining the gut flora and improves the absorption of nutrients, thereby boosting our overall immunity.

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Kadhi Recipes From All Over India | 7 Popular Kadhi Recipes From 7 Indian States:

Who would have thought that a humble bowl of curry comes with a host of health benefits?! So let us now tell you about some of the most popular Kadhi recipes from all over India. And of course, don’t forget to keep a bowl of rice with you.

1. Rajasthani Kadhi:

Considered to be the oldest version of the kadhi recipe, it is made with gram flour, curd, turmeric and salt. Add tempering of fenugreek, cumin and red chillies and enjoy. click here for recipe.

2. Punjabi Kadhi Pakora:

Crunchy besan pakoras dunked in creamy curd gravy, this dish defines indulgence. Apart from rice, you can also serve Punjabi Kadhi Pakoda with roti and paratha. click here for recipe.

3. Gujarati Kadhi:

A sweet version of the classic kadhi, here we use ginger, jaggery, curry leaves and hing (along with curd and gram flour). A tempering of mustard seeds and red chillies is then added to the dish and combined with the rice. click here for recipe.

4. Maharashtrian Kadhi:

A perfect recipe for a light and comfort meal, here fenugreek, asafoetida, curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste and chillies are sautéed together and tossed in a smooth gram flour-yogurt batter. click here for recipe.

5. Sindhi Kadhi:

The dish gets a harmonious blend of vegetables and creamy gram flour gravy. Apart from vegetables, the dish also includes kokum and tomatoes for added flavour. Pair it with rice and aloo tuk and indulge. click here for recipe.

6. Aamras Kadhi:

in this version, we add raw mango puree to the recipe. The addition of raw mangoes along with buttermilk, gram flour, spices and chillies makes this dish even tastier. click here for recipe.

7. Garhwali Kadhi:

It is considered a healthier version of Kadhi. Here, we use bajra paste instead of gram flour, to make a smooth batter with curd. Add the rest of the spices and serve hot. click here for recipe.

Try all these versions of kadhi with steamed rice and do let us know which one you liked the most. Enjoy your food!

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