Pakistani Karhi Pakora Recipe – A Traditional and Flavorful Delight

 

Pakistani Karhi Pakora

Introduction:

Delicious Pakistani Karhi Pakora served in a traditional bowl, with crispy pakoras in a creamy yellow yogurt-based curry, garnished with coriander leaves and a final tempering of spices, accompanied by naan bread and rice in a traditional setting.
Pakistani Karhi Pakora


Pakistani Karhi Pakora is a traditional dish that holds a special place in South Asian cuisine. This flavorful dish combines a tangy yogurt-based curry with crispy gram flour (besan) pakoras, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether it's a family gathering or a special occasion, Karhi Pakora is a beloved comfort food that never fails to impress.

Ingredients:

For Karhi:

  • Yogurt: 2 cups
  • Besan (Gram Flour): 4 tablespoons
  • Water: 3 cups
  • Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Fenugreek Seeds (Methi Dana): 1 teaspoon
  • Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
  • Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon
  • Curry Leaves: 8-10
  • Green Chilies: 2 (sliced)
  • Garlic Paste: 1 teaspoon
  • Ginger Paste: 1 teaspoon
  • Salt: to taste
  • Oil: 2 tablespoons

For Pakoras:

  • Besan (Gram Flour): 1 cup
  • Onion: 1 (finely chopped)
  • Green Chilies: 2 (chopped)
  • Coriander Leaves: 2 tablespoons (chopped)
  • Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon
  • Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Salt: to taste
  • Water: as needed
  • Oil: for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Karhi:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt and besan until smooth and lump-free.
  • Add water, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth batter.
  • Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Add fenugreek seeds, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
  • Add garlic paste, ginger paste, and sliced green chilies. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  • Pour the yogurt mixture into the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

2. Make the Pakoras:

  • In a mixing bowl, combine besan, chopped onion, green chilies, coriander leaves, red chili powder, cumin seeds, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring to form a thick batter.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and fry until the pakoras turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

3. Combine the Karhi and Pakoras:

  • Gently add the fried pakoras into the simmering karhi. Allow the pakoras to soak in the karhi for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the karhi thickens to your desired consistency.

4. Final Tempering (Tarka):

  • In a small pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and a few curry leaves. Fry for a few seconds until aromatic.
  • Pour this tempering over the prepared karhi pakora for an added burst of flavor.

5. Serve:

  • Serve the Karhi Pakora hot with steamed basmati rice or fresh naan. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

Conclusion

This unique and flavorful Pakistani Karhi Pakora recipe is a delightful blend of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors. With its rich tradition and comforting taste, it’s sure to be a hit at any dining table. Enjoy the warm, satisfying goodness of this classic dish with your loved ones.

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