Punjabi Style Kadhi Pakora Recipe – Spicy & Creamy Vegetarian Yogurt Curry

Ingredients
Kadhi
Besan (gram flour) - 1/2 cup
Yogurt (plain) - 1 1/2 cups
Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
Water - 6 cups
Oil - 2 Tbsp.
Fenugreek Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Hing (asafoetida) - pinch
Red Onion - 1 small (sliced)
Green Chili - 1-2 (chopped)
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Tbsp.
Salt - 1 tsp (to taste)
Cilantro - garnish
Pakora Batter
Besan (gram flour) - 1 cup
Red Onion - 1 cup (thinly sliced)
Green Chili - 1 (chopped)
Cilantro - 1/4 cup (chopped)
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Red chili Powder - 1/8 tsp
Coriander Seeds -1/2 tsp
Ajwain Seeds - 1/4 tsp
Cumin Seeds - 1/4 tsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp
Water - 1/4 cup to as needed
Baking Soda - 1/4 tsp
Oil - for frying
Tadka
Ghee or Oil - 2 Tbsp.
Cumin Seeds -1/4 tsp
Ajwain Seeds - 1/4 tsp
Dried Red Chilies - 2-3 qty.
Kashmiri Red Chili Powder - 1/2 tsp
Dive into the world of Punjabi flavors with our step-by-step guide on how to make Punjabi Kadhi Pakora. This video tutorial takes you through the process of creating the besan-based pakoras and whipping up the creamy yogurt curry with a spicy tadka. You won't want to miss this classic vegetarian comfort food!
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Punjabi Kadhi Pakora. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Kadhi Pakora calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our Punjabi kadhi pakora recipe in hindi.
Instructions
How to Make the Kadhi:
1) In a large bowl, add 1/2 cup besan and 1 1/2 cups yogurt. Whisk until besan and yogurt are well combined.
2) Add 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and 1 teaspoon coriander powder and whisk until it is a smooth batter.
3) Add 6 cups of water and mix well. Set aside.
4) In a large deep pan, add 2 tablespoons of oil on medium-high heat.
5) Once the oil is heated add methi seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter and then add hing.
6) Add the sliced onion along with chopped green chili and cook for 2 minutes. Then add the chopped ginger and garlic and cook for another minute.
7) Add the prepared besan-yogurt mixture into the pan.
8) Now with heat on medium-high, stir continuously until the kadhi comes to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, lower the heat to low and let it cook for 30 minutes. Be sure to keep stirring it in between.
9) Add salt after the kadhi has been cooking for 15 minutes or so. While the kadhi is cooking, make the pakora.
How to Make the Kadhi Pakora:
1) To a large bowl, add 1 cup besan, 1 cup sliced onion, 1 chopped green chili, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/8 teaspoon red chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds, 1/4 teaspoon ajwain and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
2) Add about 1/4 cup water and mix Feel free to add more water if needed. The batter should not be too thick or too thin.
3) Add 1/4 tsp baking soda and mix the batter again.
4) To a Kadai or frying pan heat oil to medium heat.
5) Once the oil is hot, give the batter one more mix and start dropping about 1-2 Tbsp. of batter at a time.
6) Let them cook until they turn golden brown from one side and then flip and cook the other side. Make sure to cook on medium-low heat so that the pakoras cook nicely from inside too. Cook until pakoras are golden brown from both sides. Drain on a paper towel.
7) After 30 minutes the kadhi should be cooked and thickened to the desired consistency.
PRO TIP: if you feel that the kadhi is too thick, feel free to add a little extra water.
8) To your serving dish, place the pakoras down and add the kadhi over top.
How to Make Tadka for Kadhi Pakora:
1) Heat ghee or oil in a small pan on medium heat. Once ghee or oil is hot, add 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds and 1/4 tsp ajwain seeds. Add 2-3 dried red chilies and once seeds crackle, add 1/2 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder and turn off the heat immediately.
2) Pour tadka over kadhi, garnish with cilantro and serve punjabi kadhi pakora with rice!
Dive into the world of Punjabi flavors with our step-by-step guide on how to make Punjabi Kadhi Pakora. This video tutorial takes you through the process of creating the besan-based pakoras and whipping up the creamy yogurt curry with a spicy tadka. You won't want to miss this classic vegetarian comfort food!
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Punjabi Kadhi Pakora. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Kadhi Pakora calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our Punjabi kadhi pakora recipe in hindi.
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes

Soya Tikki Recipe - Easy Pressure Cooker Snack – Indian Protein-Packed Vegan Cutlet
Make delicious, protein-rich Soya Tikkis with this quick pressure cooker recipe. Soya chunks, chana dal, and spices are cooked under pressure, blended, and fried into crispy vegetarian or vegan patties. A healthy, flavorful Indian snack perfect with chutney for tea time, appetizers, or family meals.
Looking for a snack that’s hearty, healthy, and quick to make? This Soya Tikki recipe uses the pressure cooker to transform soya chunks, chana dal, and aromatic spices into a flavorful vegetarian base that’s perfect for shaping into golden, crispy patties.
The cooker not only saves time but also infuses deep, rich flavors into the mixture, giving these tikkis a deliciously unique twist compared to the traditional method.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Soya Tikki. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our soya tikki recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Eggless Microwave Caramel Custard Recipe - Easy Valentine’s Day Dessert for Two
Make a smooth, creamy eggless caramel custard in just minutes using only a microwave. This quick and easy Valentine’s Day dessert is perfect for two, made with simple ingredients and finished with fresh raspberries. An easy, no-bake treat for a sweet celebration at home.
This eggless microwave caramel custard is the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert when you want something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen. Made with simple pantry ingredients and no oven required, this creamy custard comes together quickly and sets beautifully in the fridge.
Finished with a light caramel layer and fresh raspberries, it’s an easy dessert meant for sharing. Whether you’re celebrating at home or surprising someone special, this quick microwave recipe delivers comfort, sweetness, and simplicity in every bite.
Watch our recipe video for step-by-step instructions on how to make caramel custard at home. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our caramel custard recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe - Indian Fusion Game Day Snack with Naan, Cheese & Creamy Butter Chicken
Turn game day into a flavor-packed celebration with Butter Chicken Nachos! This Indian-Mexican fusion recipe layers naan chips, creamy butter chicken, melted cheese, and bold spices. A crowd-pleasing Super Bowl snack and easy party appetizer everyone will love.
Butter Chicken Nachos are the ultimate Indian–Mexican fusion snack, perfect for game day, parties, and Super Bowl gatherings. This recipe brings together tender, yogurt-marinated chicken cooked in a rich, creamy butter chicken sauce and layered over crispy naan triangles instead of traditional tortilla chips. Finished with melted cheese and bold Indian spices, it’s a crowd-pleasing twist on classic loaded nachos.
Watch our recipe video for step-by-step instructions on how to make Butter Chicken Nachos at home. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our butter chicken nachos recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.