Kadhi Pakora (Instant Pot and Stovetop)

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the yogurt and chickpea flour and whisk until no large lumps remain. Add water and whisk again. Set aside.

Step 2

Combine the spices and salt in a small bowl and set aside.

Step 3

Heat oil in a non-stick dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden, about 8 minutes. Deglaze the pan with 2 tbsp of water.

Step 4

Once the water dries up, add the garlic and ginger and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the raw smell disappears. Add the spices and sauté for 15-20 seconds, then add the yogurt mixture. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring every once in a while.

Step 5

Once the mixture starts to reach a boil (this will take around 6 minutes), lower the heat to medium-low so that it simmers. Partially cover with the lid, and allow it to simmer for 1 hours and 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Scrape the sides of the pot as needed. If the mixture thickens too much, stir in 1/4-1/2 cup (preferably boiling) water.

Step 6

Once the oil rises to the top and the mixture no longer has any raw taste, lower the heat to the lowest setting for about 5 minutes to allow it to settle.

Step 7

Select the Sauté - More setting on the Instant Pot. Once hot, add the oil and chopped onion and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns golden, about 8 minutes. Deglaze the pan with 2 tbsp of water.

Step 8

Once the water dries up, add the garlic and ginger and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the raw smell disappears. Add the spices and sauté for 15-20 seconds, then add the yogurt mixture. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring infrequently.

Step 9

Once the mixture reaches a boil (this will take around 6 minutes), press the Cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the Pressure Release to Sealing. Select the Pressure Cook setting and set it to low pressure. Set the cooking time for 30 minutes.

Step 10

Allow the pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes. Manually release pressure by moving the Pressure Release to Venting. Stir to mix.

Step 11

Meanwhile, prepare the pakora mixture. In a small bowl, combine the ingredients listed under Pakora except water and oil in the order they're listed. Add water, bit by bit, until the mixture is coated but not runny. Cover and set aside for 10 minutes to give the ingredients time to release their own juices.

Step 12

Meanwhile, heat a small frying pan or heavy-bottomed pot over high heat. Add oil so that it’s at least 3/4”/1.9 cm deep. Once the oil is hot, adjust heat level as needed to maintain medium-high heat (around 320°F/160°C).

Step 13

Add the pakora mixture a heaped tablespoon at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (I do 4-5 at a time). (See Note Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on a paper-towel lined plate. Repeat until all pakoras are cooked, adding oil if needed.

Step 14

Taste and adjust salt. (If you feel that it's missing something, it probably needs salt.) Turn off the heat and stir in vinegar or lemon juice.

Step 15

Stir, and taste and adjust salt. I usually sprinkle in more salt. (If you feel that it's missing something, it probably needs salt.) Stir in vinegar or lemon juice. Add cooked pakoras to the mix and stir gently. Remove from the Instant Pot and place in a serving bowl.

Step 16

Heat ghee or oil in a small sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and whole red chili. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the cumin seeds have lightly toasted and the red chili peppers begin to darken. Remove from heat and then gently pour the oil over the kadhi. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve with white basmati rice, roti, naan, or other bread.