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  • Dal Pakwan (Sindhi Breakfast)

    Dal Pakwan (Sindhi Breakfast)

    Dal Pakwan

    Dal Pakwan (Sindhi Breakfast)

    Dal Pakwan is an authentic breakfast delicacy in Sindhi homes. Crisp flavored puries known as Pakwan served with spicy dal topped with chutney.
    5 from 1 vote
    Course snacks
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 4 people

    Ingredients
      

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup chana dal (Bengal gram)
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2  turmeric (haldi)
    • 1 tablespoon ginger finely chopped
    • 1 green chili chopped
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 teaspoon  garam masala
    • 1/2 teaspoon mango powder (amchoor)

    Seasoning

    • 2 tablespoons oil
    • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
    • 6-7 curry leaves

    Pakwan (Crisp Puries known as Pakwan):

    • 1 cup all purpose flour (maida/plain flour)
    • 1/4 cup semolina (sooji)
    • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
    • 2 tablespoon oil
    • Approx. 1/3 cup of water
    • Oil to fry

    Also need tamarind chutney for serving, check the recipe on my website

    Instructions
     

    Cooking Dal:

    • Wash and soak chana dal for at least 2 hours in 3 cups of water.
    • Drain the water and in pressure cooker add dal, 2-1/2 cups of water, salt, turmeric, green chili, and ginger, close the cooker and cook over medium high heat.
    • As the pressure cooker starts steaming turn the heat down to medium and cook for about 4 minutes.
    • Turn off the heat and wait until steam has stopped before opening the pressure cooker.
    • Dal should be soft well-cooked but not mushy. Add black pepper, mango powder and garam masala, mix it well. Dal should be thick in consistency.

    Seasoning

    • Heat the oil in a saucepan. Test the heat by adding one cumin seed to the oil; if seed cracks right away oil is ready.
    • Add cumin seeds, after seeds crack add curry leaves stir for few seconds and pour over dal mix it well and set aside. Curry leaves splatter be careful.

    Pakwan

    • Crisp Puries known as Pakwan: Mix flour, sooji, salt, cumin seeds, and oil. Add enough water to make firm dough. Knead the dough well.
    • Set the dough aside and let it sit for at least 15 minutes or longer.
    • Divide the dough in 10 equal parts, Roll the dough into about 5-inch diameter. If the dough is sticking to the rolling pin or rolling surface, put couple of drops of oil on the rolling pin and a couple of drops of oil on the surface.
    • Prick the rolled dough all over with a fork. This will limit puries from puffing and make them crisp.
    • Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. The frying pan should have at about 1 inch of oil. To check if the oil is ready, put a small piece of dough in the oil. The dough should sizzle and come up slowly.
    • Fry 2-3 puries at time until both sides are a light golden-brown.
    • Transfer puries over paper towel, it will absorb the extra oil.
    • After the puries cool to room temperature they should be crisp. Puries can be stored in airtight container for 1 month.

    Notes

    Serve Pakwan with hot dal with drizzle of tamarind chutney.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
  • Sindhi Kadhi (Vegetable in Gram Flour Gravy)

    Sindhi Kadhi (Vegetable in Gram Flour Gravy)

    Sindhi Kadhi (Vegetable in Gram Flour Gravy)

    Sindhi Kadhi (Vegetable in Gram Flour Gravy)

    Sindhi Kadhi is very delicious and nutritious gravy based main course dish. This tangy Kadhi is made with roasted besan, (gram flour) and mix of vegetables. Traditionally it is served with rice and also can be served as a soup.
    No ratings yet
    Course dal
    Cuisine Indian
    Servings 3 people

    Ingredients
      

    • 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
    • 3 tablespoons oil
    • 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (mathi)
    • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
    • 3 whole red peppers
    • Approx. 10 curry leaves
    • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (haldi)
    • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
    • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
    • Approx. 3 tablespoons tamarind pulp (imli)
    • 1-1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 2 cups of mixed vegetables (I am using 8 okras slit into 2 vertically, 1/4 cup carrots sliced in rounds, 1 small potato cubed, 1/4 cup cut green beans about 1 inch longs)
    • Also need 1 tablespoon oil for stir-fry okra
    • 5 cups of water

    Instructions
     

    • Wash and dry the okra. Remove the top of the okra and stir-fry in 1 tablespoon of oil over medium high heat until they are tender. Set aside.
    • Heat the oil in a sauce pan over medium high heat, add fenugreek seed, and cumin seeds, as seeds crack add asafetida, red pepper, ginger, and curry leaves stir for few seconds.
    • Reduce the heat to medium and add besan. Roast the besan stirring continually till the besan has become golden brown and aromatic (about 4-5 minutes).
    • Add about 4 cups of water slowly, stirring continuously to avoid forming lumps.
    • Add turmeric, salt, potatoes, green beans and carrots.
    • After Kadhi comes to boil, lower the heat to low medium and cover the pan and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, until vegetables are tender. If needed add more water, this should be running consistency but not watery.
    • Add okra and tamarind pulp to Kadhi, after kadhi comes to boil, let it simmer for another 6-7minutes over medium low heat.
    • Serve hot. Sindhi kadhi taste great with rice or serve as a soup.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    How To Make Sindhi Kadhi: Savor The Flavors Of Sindhi Kadhi

    Sindhi Kadhi is a flavorful and aromatic dish hailing from the Sindhi cuisine, known for its unique blend of spices and tangy flavors. This Sindhi Kadhi recipe features a medley of vegetables simmered in a creamy gram flour gravy, creating a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. With its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, Sindhi Kadhi is a beloved dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Sindhi Kadhi is a traditional dish originating from the Sindhi region of Pakistan and India. 

    It’s a flavorful and tangy soup made primarily with dal (lentils) and various vegetables. This dish is naturally gluten-free and low in fat, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions. To prepare Sindhi Kadhi, lentils are cooked until they are soft and then combined with a variety of vegetables such as okra, potatoes, carrots, and tomatoes. The soup is seasoned with a blend of spices including turmeric, cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds, which give it its distinctive flavor profile. 

    To commence the preparation of Sindhi Kadhi, begin by thoroughly washing and drying the okra. Subsequently, delicately remove the tops of the okra and set them aside. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches its optimal temperature, add the prepared okra and stir-fry until it reaches a tender consistency. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the okra, ensuring it is cooked to perfection. Once accomplished, set aside the cooked okra for future use.

    Next, in a saucepan, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add fenugreek seeds and cumin seeds, allowing them to crackle. As they release their aroma, incorporate the asafetida, red pepper, ginger, and curry leaves, stirring for a few seconds. This process allows the spices to infuse into the oil, imparting their flavors to the dish.

    Lower the heat to medium and add besan (gram flour) to the spice-infused oil. Continuously stir the besan until it turns golden brown and emits a fragrant aroma, typically taking around 4 to 5 minutes. This roasting process is crucial as it enhances the nutty flavor of the besan, adding depth to the kadhi.

    Gradually pour in about 4 cups of water while stirring continuously to prevent the formation of lumps. This step ensures that the besan is evenly dispersed in the liquid, creating a smooth consistency for the kadhi base.

    Now, add turmeric, salt, potatoes, green beans, and carrots to the kadhi base. These vegetables not only contribute to the nutritional value of the dish but also add color and texture. Allow the kadhi to come to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender. If necessary, adjust the consistency by adding more water, ensuring that it retains a slightly thick, running consistency.

    Once the vegetables are cooked, add the previously prepared okra and tamarind pulp to the kadhi. Allow the kadhi to come to a boil again, then let it simmer for another 6 to 7 minutes over medium-low heat. This final step allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious balance in the dish.

    Tips for Perfect Sindhi Kadhi

    Variety of Vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables to add depth and flavor to the kadhi. Vegetables like bitter gourd (karela) and eggplant (brinjal) can also be used to enhance the taste of the dish.

    Consistency of Kadhi: Adjust the amount of water added to the kadhi to achieve the desired consistency. The kadhi should have a creamy texture that coats the back of a spoon.

    Balancing Flavors: Taste the kadhi and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more salt, sugar, or lemon juice to balance the flavors and enhance the taste.

    Variations of Sindhi Kadhi

    Paneer Kadhi: Add cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) to the kadhi for a creamy and indulgent variation. Paneer adds richness and protein to the dish, making it more satisfying.

    Sprouted Lentils: Add sprouted lentils such as moong dal or matki to the kadhi for added nutrition and texture. Sprouted lentils are high in protein and fiber, making them a healthy addition to the dish.

    Benefits of Sindhi Kadhi

    Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Sindhi Kadhi is loaded with a variety of vegetables, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that promote overall health and well-being.

    Digestive Aid: Gram flour (besan) is known for its digestive properties and helps aid in digestion, making Sindhi Kadhi a comforting and soothing dish for the stomach.

    Wholesome and Nourishing: With its blend of vegetables, spices, and gram flour gravy, Sindhi Kadhi is a wholesome and nourishing meal that’s perfect for the whole family.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Can I make Sindhi Kadhi without vegetables?

    Yes, you can make a simple version of Sindhi Kadhi using only gram flour and spices for the gravy. However, adding vegetables enhances the taste and nutritional value of the dish.

    Can I make Sindhi Kadhi ahead of time?

    Yes, Sindhi Kadhi tastes even better when allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to develop. Reheat it gently before serving.

    Is Sindhi Kadhi gluten-free?

    Yes, Sindhi Kadhi is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients.

    Explore more delightful Sindhi recipes on Manjula’s Kitchen, such as Sindhi Koki for another culinary adventure.

  • Contest 2013 August Winners

    August was also a great turn out with many recipes using Mango. I was really impressed with all the entries. However I can only select five best ones. Here are my top picks for this month. I would like to congratulate the winners and all participants:

    1st Place: Megha Sharma (Chocolate Mango Fudge)

    2nd Place: Vaishali Leuva (Mango Paradise)

    Congratulations to both of you!!

    Thank you to everyone else that also participated in the contest:

    • Aparna Anurag
    • Greenhorn Cook
    • Thahseen Faizel
    • santoshbangar
    • Praseeja T
    • Sushma Saggam
    • Aban Kekobad
    • Nisha Rathish
    • Dulumani Das
    • Radhika
    • Chitrangada Kundu
    • Jackson Thokchom
    • Pramitha Avinash
    • SHUBHANGI ASHOK GONE
    • Kira Corbett
    • Razina Javed
    • Divya Ravindran
    • Sowmya
    • Aarti Sharma
    • Shyamala Tandel
    • YM Bhargavi
    • Hidemi Walsh
    • Ms. S.Vasumathi
    • Devika R
    • Pooja Agrawal
    • Smita Gupta
    • Sanam Alam
    • Anusha Jayam Prabhakar
    • REHANA KHAMBATY
    • Bini Basheer
    • Deepak
    • Poornima
    • Ramiti
    • Gia
    • Yahsir Waheed
    • Nadia
    • Nibedita
    • Chitra Aditya
    • Deepti
    • Jayshree
    • Archana
    • Devangi Raval
    • Amrita Datta
    • Alekya Kishore
    • Jamie Claire Wilson
    • Sasi Kumar
    • Sumedha Bailur
    • Prerna
    • Mohammad Shabaz Athar
  • Contest 2013 August

    This month’s contest will be another tropical fruit – the MANGO. There are so many things you can make with mangoes. I look forward to your creative recipe ideas. The specific rules are the following:

    • You can do any type of recipe (appetizer, dessert, etc)
    • You have to use Mango as the main ingredient. It can be ripened or unripened mango.
    • It must be vegetarian and also egg-less.
    • Please submit only ONE recipe.

    In general I will only consider recipes that I feel are complete in regards to ingredients, measurement, and instruction. From there I am looking for creativity and a recipe that my viewers would enjoy to prepare on their own. I will be judging on overall recipe and presentation also.

    Below is my checklist:

    • Be Creative!
    • Ingredients should be listed with measurements.
    • Method must be explained clearly, so it’s easy to follow.
    • Please include your NAME along with the recipe (as you would like it to appear).
    • Search the web for ideas. There are many resources available.
    • Please send me a detailed recipe to contest@manjulaskitchen.com
    • You must also send original picture(s) of the recipe – do not simply grab a photo from the web. Otherwise your recipe will not be considered for entry.
    • The deadline is August 26th.
    • The winner will be featured on the homepage with the new recipe and a link to their website (if available).

    1st Prize: $100 gift certificate from Amazon.com
    2nd Prize: $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com

    **Anyone can join this contest**

  • Contest 2013 July Winners

    Everyone must really love coconuts because I received so many entries last month. There were many great recipe ideas and I really did have a tough time narrowing the selection. Here are the top five entries this month. I would like to congratulate the winners and the top five participants:

    1st Place: Sasi Kumar (Snowman Coconut Ladoo)

    2nd Place: Khushboo Dattani (Coconut Surprise!)

    Congratulations to both of you!!

    Thank you to everyone else that also participated in the contest:

    • Sangeetha P N
    • R.Sri Ragavi
    • Brindha Sundaram
    • SASMITA PATTANAIK
    • Kanu
    • Rehana Khambaty
    • Greenhorn Cook
    • Divya Ravindran
    • Nehal Roy
    • Megha Sharma
    • Radhika Madhavan
    • Hidemi Walsh
    • Radhika
    • Akshara Aksh
    • Sampada
    • Seetha Hariharan
    • Sujitha Manoj
    • Samantha S
    • Adelina Srinivasan
    • Poulami Biswas
    • Marisa Raponi
    • Christina Ashford
    • Geanina
    • Vijeta
    • Richa Agarwal
    • Bini Basheer
    • Megha Bhattacherjee
    • Anindita
    • Madhavi
    • Nima
    • Deepalakshmi
    • Bhawya Arun
    • Rameshwari Bansod
    • Sowmya
    • Vanishree Tanksali
    • Priya Nahar
    • Pooja Agrawal
    • S. Vasumathi
    • Quratulain Noor
    • Lalitha Swaminathan
    • Saleha
    • Vijaya Raghunathan
    • Neha Salgaonkar
    • Janani Rangarajan
    • Dipti Joshi
    • Shaima
    • Bhavana Sagar
    • Nav Sidhu
    • Aarti Sharma
    • Vandana
    • Amit
    • Kayal Kalidass
    • Abhilasha
    • Badri
    • Khushboo Jwalant Dattani
    • Gia
    • Alekya
    • Jigyasa Sachdeva
    • Kaleena I. Soorma
    • Nidhi
    • Nibedita
    • NamuD
    • Namrata
    • Rekha Damle
    • Divya Ashok
    • Neha Mittal
    • Rishu Bansal
  • Contest 2013 June

    Father’s day is coming up this month on June 16th so for the contest this month, I am looking for the following:

    1. Memorable 2-3 line story with your father
    2. Recipe for your father’s favorite dish

    Below is my checklist:

    • Ingredients should be listed with measurements.
    • Method must be explained clearly, so it’s easy to follow.
    • Please include your name along with the recipe (as you would like it to appear).
    • Please send me a detailed recipe to contest@manjulaskitchen.com
    • You must also send original picture(s) of the recipe – do not simply grab a photo from the web. Otherwise your recipe will not be considered for entry.
    • The deadline is June 27th.
    • The winner will be featured on the homepage with the new recipe and a link to their website (if available).

    1st Prize: $100 gift certificate from Amazon.com
    2nd Prize: $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com

    **Anyone can join this contest**