SPECIAL KARHI PAKORA PUNJABI STYLE

Special Karhi Pakora – Punjabi Style

Punjabi cuisine is known for its rich flavors, vibrant spices, and hearty meals. One such traditional dish that holds a special place in Punjabi households is Karhi Pakora. This dish is a thick, tangy, and spicy yogurt-based curry with deep-fried gram flour (besan) dumplings known as pakoras. It is typically served with steamed rice or chapati, making it a comforting and wholesome meal.

Ingredients for Karhi

To prepare an authentic Punjabi-style Karhi, you will need:

• 2 cups yogurt (preferably sour)
• 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon salt (or as per taste)
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi dana)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 1-inch piece ginger (grated)
• 4-5 garlic cloves (chopped)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• Few curry leaves
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Ingredients for Pakoras

• 1 cup gram flour (besan)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon carom seeds (ajwain)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• Water (as needed for batter consistency)
• Oil for deep frying

Step-by-Step Preparation

Preparing the Pakoras:

1. In a mixing bowl, add gram flour, salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, carom seeds, and baking soda.
2. Gradually add water while whisking to form a thick but smooth batter.
3. Add chopped onions and mix well.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Once hot, drop small portions of the batter into the oil using a spoon.
5. Fry the pakoras until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. Remove them from the oil and place them on a tissue to drain excess oil.

Preparing the Karhi:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt and gram flour until smooth.
2. Add water gradually while mixing to avoid lumps.
3. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, and garam masala.
4. Heat oil in a deep pan, add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves.
5. Once the seeds start to splutter, add chopped onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until golden brown.
6. Pour in the prepared yogurt mixture while stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
7. Cook on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until the Karhi thickens and flavors blend well.
8. Add the fried pakoras to the Karhi and simmer for another 10 minutes.

Final Tempering (Tadka):

For an extra punch of flavor, prepare a tempering:

1. Heat a tablespoon of oil or ghee in a small pan.
2. Add some mustard seeds, curry leaves, and red chili powder.
3. Pour this over the Karhi before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.
• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for enhanced flavor.
• Accompany with pickle and papad for a complete Punjabi-style meal.

Tips for the Best Karhi Pakora:

• Use sour yogurt for an authentic tangy taste.
• Stir continuously when adding the yogurt mixture to prevent lumps.
• Let the Karhi simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop deep flavors.
• Add the pakoras just before serving to keep them slightly crispy.
• Adjust the spice level according to your preference.

Conclusion Karhi Pakora is not just a dish; it’s a nostalgic comfort food that reminds one of home-cooked Punjabi flavors. Whether enjoyed on a rainy day or served as a festive meal, its creamy texture, crispy pakoras, and aromatic spices make it an irresistible delight. Try this traditional Punjabi Karhi Pakora recipe and experience the true essence of North Indian cuisine!