Stewed Gujarati Kadhi with Gram Flour and Yogurt
A tangy and spiced yogurt-based curry thickened with gram flour, simmered with mustard seeds and curry leaves for a comforting Gujarati classic. This indian-inspired curry (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs plain yogurt, gram flour (besan), water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
- 3 cups water
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 dry red chili
- 10 leaves curry leaves
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1 small green chili, chopped
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- a pinch asafoetida (hing)
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups plain yogurt and 1/2 cup gram flour until smooth and lump-free.
- Step 2: Add 3 cups water, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and 1 1/2 tsp salt to the yogurt mixture and whisk again thoroughly.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, and wait until mustard seeds start popping, about 30 seconds.
- Step 4: Add 1 dry red chili, 10 fresh curry leaves, a pinch of asafoetida, 1 tsp ginger paste, and 1 small chopped green chili. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Slowly pour the yogurt and gram flour mixture into the pan, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
- Step 6: Cook the kadhi for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in 1 tsp sugar to balance the flavors.
- Step 7: Adjust salt to taste, remove from heat, and serve hot with steamed rice or roti.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stewed Gujarati Kadhi with Gram Flour and Yogurt take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stewed Gujarati Kadhi with Gram Flour and Yogurt?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep plain yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stewed Gujarati Kadhi with Gram Flour and Yogurt?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stewed Gujarati Kadhi with Gram Flour and Yogurt for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Stewed Gujarati Kadhi with Gram Flour and Yogurt vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
