Shrimp in Kadhi (Shrimp in Yogurt Curry)

Shrimp in Kadhi (Shrimp in Yogurt Curry)

Kadhi is a sunny yellow gravy made with cultured dairy like yogurt or buttermilk and thickened with chickpea flour. While it originated in Rajasthan, a state in Northern India, kadhi varies across India and Pakistan: Some are sweet and others are rich and spicy like this one. Here, the kadhi is infused with black mustard seeds, garlic and fresh cilantro and serves as a poaching liquid for quick-cooking shrimp. 

Ingredients

  • large peeled

    deveined shrimp

    1 lb
  • kosher salt
  • chickpea flour

    see tip

    3 tbsp
  • kashmiri chile powder

    or other mild red chile powder

    ½ tsp
  • turmeric
    ¾ tsp
  • plain whole-milk yogurt
    1 ½ c
  • ghee or vegetable oil
    1 tbsp
  • black mustard seeds

    see tip

    1 tsp
  • chopped cilantro

    plus sprigs for serving, see tip

    ¼ c
  • green thai chile

    halved lengthwise, optional

    1
  • garlic cloves

    thinly sliced

    2
  • fresh lemon juice

    plus more for serving

    1 tsp
  • basmati rice

    for serving

Directions

  1. 1

    Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and season all over with 1 teaspoon salt. Set aside.

  2. 2

    Add 2 cups of water to a 4-cup measuring cup or medium bowl. Add chickpea flour, chile powder, turmeric and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk very well until the chickpea flour is dissolved. Add yogurt and whisk until combined.

  3. 3

    Heat a medium pot over medium-high. Add ghee and mustard seeds. Once mustard seeds begin to sizzle and pop, add cilantro, green chile (if using) and garlic. Cook, stirring often, until garlic is fragrant and beginning to turn golden brown. Add yogurt mixture and bring to a boil, continuing to stir until it comes to a boil to prevent the mixture from splitting.

  4. 4

    Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, place a wooden spoon inside to break the surface tension and prevent the kadhi from boiling over, and continue to simmer until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. The final consistency should be similar to a gravy. (Kadhi can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. Bring to a simmer over medium heat before proceeding with the next step).

  5. 5

    Remove from heat and stir shrimp into kadhi. Cover the pot and simmer until shrimp are pink and just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, taste, and season with more salt if desired.

  6. 6

    Serve over basmati rice, topped with more cilantro and green chile, if desired, with lemon wedges alongside.

Shrimp in Kadhi (Shrimp in Yogurt Curry)

Shrimp in Kadhi (Shrimp in Yogurt Curry)

5.0(42)230 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a vibrant, flavorful Indian curry that comes together quickly on a weeknight? This Shrimp in Kadhi recipe delivers a rich, aromatic experience, proving that authentic flavors don't have to mean hours in the kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe shines by balancing a rich, creamy yogurt base with the bright, bold flavors of Indian spices. The kadhi, a sunny yellow gravy thickened with chickpea flour, provides a luscious texture and acts as the perfect poaching liquid for quick-cooking shrimp. Infused with aromatic black mustard seeds, fragrant garlic, and fresh cilantro, it's a one-pot stovetop dish that maximizes flavor with minimal fuss.

What to Expect

Prepare for a delightful culinary journey with this Kadhi. You'll savor succulent, tender shrimp enveloped in a wonderfully rich and spicy yogurt curry. The vibrant yellow hue, characteristic of turmeric, hints at the warmth and depth of flavor within. Expect an incredibly aromatic dish, where the tempering of mustard seeds and garlic creates an enticing fragrance that fills your kitchen. This easy preparation results in a satisfying and wholesome meal perfect for any day.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference; use a milder red chile powder if kashmiri chile powder isn't available, or omit the green Thai chile for less heat. For a different protein, you could gently poach cubes of paneer or firm tofu instead of shrimp, adjusting cooking time as needed. If you don't have ghee, vegetable oil works perfectly well.

Serving & Context

Serve this aromatic Shrimp in Kadhi alongside fluffy basmati rice to soak up every last drop of the delicious gravy. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors beautifully, and a garnish of fresh cilantro sprigs adds a final touch of vibrancy. It's an ideal choice for a comforting lunch or a flavorful dinner.

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