Teaching People How Not To Cook! Sindhi Curry Edition! @ihansika
Teaching People How Not To Cook! Sindhi Curry Edition! @ihansika is a medium Indian recipe that serves 4. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Hansika Motwanni on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 38 min | Total: 1 hr 3 min
Cost: $4.97 total, $1.24 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Gram Flour (sifted)
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 12 pieces Curry Leaves (fresh)
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup Tomato Puree (store‑bought or blended fresh tomatoes)
- 1 cup Bottle Gourd (Lauki) (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup Okra (Bhindi) (sliced, washed and patted dry)
- 1 cup Potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- 1/2 cup Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 tbsp Tamarind Paste (diluted in 1 cup warm water)
- 3 cup Water (plus 1 cup tamarind water)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Vegetables
Wash, peel (if needed) and dice the bottle gourd, potatoes, carrots. Slice the okra and pat dry to reduce slime.
Time: PT10M
Temper the Spices
Heat 2 tbsp oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, let them pop, then add cumin seeds and curry leaves. Stir for 30 seconds.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Roast the Besan
Add the sifted gram flour to the pan. Stir continuously, roasting until it turns light golden and releases a nutty aroma (about 4‑5 minutes).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Add Ground Spices
Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium heat
Create the Curry Base
Gradually whisk in 3 cups water, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle boil, then add the diluted tamarind water.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Incorporate Tomato Puree
Stir in the tomato puree and let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium heat
Cook the Vegetables
Add the prepared bottle gourd, potatoes, carrots, and okra to the pot. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Medium heat
Final Seasoning
Taste and adjust salt or tamarind acidity if needed. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Serve hot with steamed basmati rice or roti.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 8 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten
Allergens: Gluten (besan), Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Gram Flour: All‑purpose flour (will change texture)
- Instead of Mustard Seeds: Fenugreek seeds
- Instead of Cumin Seeds: Coriander seeds
- Instead of Curry Leaves: Bay leaf (different flavor)
- Instead of Turmeric Powder: Fresh turmeric (grated)
- Instead of Red Chili Powder: Paprika (milder)
- Instead of Coriander Powder: Fresh cilantro (added at end)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Sunflower oil, canola oil
- Instead of Tomato Puree: Fresh tomatoes, blended
- Instead of Bottle Gourd (Lauki): Zucchini
- Instead of Okra (Bhindi): Green beans
- Instead of Potatoes: Sweet potatoes
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnip
- Instead of Tamarind Paste: Lemon juice (less sour)
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Frying Pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Roasting the besan to a light golden color without burning.
- Whisking water into the roasted besan to avoid lumps.
- Adding tamarind water at the right stage for balanced sourness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Roast the besan over medium heat; a darker color yields a richer flavor but can become bitter.
- Use fresh curry leaves for authentic aroma – they lose potency when dried.
- For a smoother texture, blend the cooked kadhi with an immersion blender before adding vegetables.
Troubleshooting
Kadhi is too thick or lumpy.
Whisk in additional warm water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Kadhi tastes bland.
Adjust salt and add a little more tamarind water or a pinch of extra chili powder.
Okra makes the kadhi slimy.
Dry the sliced okra thoroughly before adding and avoid over‑cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and reheat.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Kadhi can be prepared a day ahead; flavors meld beautifully.
- If thickened too much after refrigeration, thin with a little water before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Yellow Sindhi Kadhi in Sindhi cuisine?
Yellow Sindhi Kadhi is a traditional comfort food from the Sindhi community of India and Pakistan. Historically, it was a way to use leftover gram‑flour and seasonal vegetables, creating a nourishing one‑pot meal that could be stretched for large families.
What are the traditional regional variations of Sindhi Kadhi in Indian cuisine?
In Sindh, the kadhi is often yellow, made with besan and a tangy tamarind base. In other parts of India, a red kadhi using tomato‑based gravy is common, and some regions add yogurt for a creamier texture.
How is authentic Yellow Sindhi Kadhi traditionally served in Sindhi households?
It is typically served hot with steamed basmati rice or plain roti, accompanied by a side of pickles or papad. A garnish of fresh cilantro adds a fresh finish.
During which occasions or celebrations is Yellow Sindhi Kadhi traditionally prepared in Sindhi culture?
Kadhi is a staple for everyday meals but is also prepared during festivals like Diwali and Navratri, as well as during family gatherings because it can be made in large batches and feeds many.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Yellow Sindhi Kadhi versus acceptable substitutes?
Essential ingredients include gram flour, mustard seeds, curry leaves, tamarind water, and seasonal vegetables. Substitutes can be made for mustard seeds (fenugreek), bottle gourd (zucchini), or tamarind (lemon juice, though flavor changes).
What other Sindhi dishes pair well with Yellow Sindhi Kadhi?
Pair it with Sindhi Bhee (lotus stem) fry, Aloo Bhujia, or simple plain rice. A side of Sindhi Kadhi‑style pickle (achar) also complements the tangy flavors.
What makes Yellow Sindhi Kadhi special or unique in Sindhi cuisine?
Its unique combination of a besan‑based yellow broth, the sourness from tamarind, and the aromatic tempering of mustard, cumin, and curry leaves sets it apart from other regional kadhi varieties that may use yogurt or tomato bases.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Yellow Sindhi Kadhi at home?
Common errors include burning the besan, not whisking water properly which creates lumps, and over‑cooking okra which makes the kadhi slimy. Also, adding too much tamarind can make it overly sour.
Why does this Yellow Sindhi Kadhi recipe roast the besan before adding water instead of mixing it raw?
Roasting the besan develops a nutty flavor and removes the raw flour taste. It also helps the kadhi thicken evenly when water is added, preventing a gritty texture.
Can I make Yellow Sindhi Kadhi ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the kadhi improves after resting. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently on low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
What does the YouTube channel Hansika Motwanni specialize in?
The YouTube channel Hansika Motwanni focuses on easy-to-follow Indian home‑cooking tutorials, especially regional dishes and comfort foods, presented with a friendly, conversational style.
How does the YouTube channel Hansika Motwanni's approach to Sindhi cooking differ from other Indian cooking channels?
Hansika Motwanni often shares personal anecdotes and real‑time problem solving, showing what to do when things go wrong, whereas many channels stick to polished, flawless demonstrations. This makes her Sindhi recipes feel more accessible and realistic.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
