Drumstick Kadhi: A Comforting Delight For Rainy Season
The rainy season is a time for cozying up with warm, comforting foods that soothe the soul and delight the senses.
One such dish that perfectly fits this description is Drumstick Kadhi. This traditional Indian dish, made with drumsticks and a tangy yogurt-based gravy, is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
In this blog post, we will explore the joys of Drumstick Kadhi, its health benefits, and provide a detailed recipe for making this comforting dish at home.
The Allure of Drumstick Kadhi
Drumstick Kadhi, also known as “Saragwa nu Kadhi” in Gujarati or “Sahjan ki Kadhi” in Hindi, is a popular dish in many Indian households. It combines the unique flavor and texture of drumsticks (moringa pods) with the creamy tanginess of yogurt-based kadhi. This dish is especially favored during the rainy season for its warming and comforting qualities.
Health Benefits of Drumstick Kadhi
Drumstick Kadhi is not just a treat for the taste buds; it also offers numerous health benefits:
- Nutrient-Rich: Drumsticks are rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, calcium, iron, and magnesium. They are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Digestive Aid: The yogurt in the kadhi is a probiotic, aiding in digestion and promoting gut health.
- Immune Booster: Drumsticks have been traditionally used to boost immunity due to their high vitamin C content.
- Bone Health: The calcium and iron in drumsticks help in maintaining strong bones and preventing anemia.
- Anti-Inflammatory: Both drumsticks and yogurt have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Ingredients
For the Kadhi:
- Yogurt (curd): 2 cups, whisked
- Gram flour (besan): 4 tablespoons
- Water: 4 cups
- Drumsticks: 3-4, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chili powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
For the Tempering:
- Ghee (clarified butter) or oil: 2 tablespoons
- Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
- Fenugreek seeds: 1/2 teaspoon
- Asafoetida (hing): A pinch
- Dry red chilies: 2
- Curry leaves: 8-10
- Garlic: 4 cloves, finely chopped (optional)
- Ginger: 1-inch piece, grated
- Green chilies: 2, slit
For Garnish:
- Fresh coriander leaves: A handful, chopped
Instructions
1. Preparing the Drumsticks:
Wash the drumsticks thoroughly and cut them into 2-inch pieces. If the drumsticks are thick, you can slit them lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly.
2. Making the Kadhi Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the whisked yogurt, gram flour, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well until there are no lumps. Gradually add the water while stirring continuously to form a smooth, thin batter.
3. Cooking the Drumsticks:
In a large pot, pour the yogurt mixture and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Stir continuously to prevent curdling. Once it comes to a boil, add the drumstick pieces and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the drumsticks are tender and cooked through.
4. Preparing the Tempering:
In a small pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they begin to splutter, add the fenugreek seeds, asafoetida, dry red chilies, curry leaves, chopped garlic (if using), grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the garlic turns golden brown and the spices release their aroma.
5. Adding the Tempering to the Kadhi:
Carefully pour the prepared tempering into the simmering kadhi. Mix well to incorporate the flavors. Let it cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Turn off the heat and garnish the Drumstick Kadhi with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice or jeera rice and enjoy this comforting delight during the rainy season.
Tips for Perfect Drumstick Kadhi
- Consistency: The kadhi should have a slightly thick but pourable consistency. Adjust the amount of water according to your preference.
- Preventing Curdling: Always cook the kadhi on medium to low heat and stir continuously until it comes to a boil to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
- Tempering: Adding the tempering at the end enhances the flavor of the kadhi. Make sure to sauté the spices well to release their aroma.
- Garlic: Adding garlic in the tempering is optional but recommended as it adds a nice depth of flavor to the kadhi.
The Comfort of Drumstick Kadhi
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm Drumstick Kadhi on a rainy day. The tangy, creamy kadhi combined with the tender drumsticks creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is both soothing and satisfying. It’s a dish that brings back fond memories of family meals and cherished moments.
Conclusion
Drumstick Kadhi is a delightful dish that perfectly captures the essence of comfort food. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a favorite during the rainy season, providing warmth and nourishment. By following this recipe, you can enjoy this traditional Indian dish in the comfort of your home. So, the next time it rains, whip up a pot of Drumstick Kadhi, serve it with steaming rice, and relish the comforting delight it brings.
