Kadhi Pakora – Indian

Step 1: Prepare Kadhi Paste

In a bowl, combine 2 cups sour yogurt, 1/2 cup gram flour, and 2 cups water. Whisk thoroughly until a lump-free, runny consistency paste is formed.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Kadhi

Press 'Saute' mode on your Instant Pot. Add 2 tablespoons cooking oil. Once hot, add 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1 tablespoon ginger/garlic paste, and 2-3 chopped green chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften slightly.

Step 3: Add Spices to Kadhi Base

Add salt to taste, 1 tablespoon turmeric, and 1 tablespoon garam masala to the Instant Pot. Stir and cook until the oil separates from the mixture, indicating the spices are well cooked.

Step 4: Combine Kadhi Base and Paste

Pour 4 cups of water into the Instant Pot. Then, slowly add the prepared gram flour and yogurt paste, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add 10-12 curry leaves.

Step 5: Pressure Cook Kadhi

Close the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to 'Sealing'. Cancel the 'Saute' mode. Select 'Pressure Cook' (or 'Manual') and set the time to 40 minutes on 'Low' pressure.

Step 6: Prepare Fritter Batter

While the Kadhi is cooking, prepare the fritters. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup gram flour, 2 tablespoons yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped onion, 1-2 chopped green chilies, salt to taste, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Gradually add water as needed to form a thick, scoopable paste. Finally, mix in 1 teaspoon ginger/garlic paste.

Step 7: Fry Fritters

Heat 2 cups of cooking oil in a pan on medium flame. Once the oil is hot (test with a small drop of batter), drop spoonfuls of the fritter paste into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove the fried fritters and set them aside.

Step 8: Finish Kadhi and Serve

Once the Instant Pot cooking cycle is complete, allow for natural pressure release. Carefully open the lid. The Kadhi should have a runny consistency. Add the fried fritters to the Kadhi and cover for 5-10 minutes to allow them to absorb the curry. Garnish with fresh coriander before serving. Enjoy with rice, roti, or naan.

• Can use lemon juice (1-2 tbsp) if yogurt is not sour.

• Can replace fritters with Onion (1 cup) and Potato cubes (2 cup).

• If using onion and potato, dump them in along with the yogurt mix.