How to make Kashmir Dahi Wadi? Food recipe

Dahi Wadi is a delicious and traditional Kashmiri dish made with lentil dumplings (wadis) soaked in spiced yogurt sauce. This flavorful dish is commonly served as a side dish or appetizer and pairs well with rice, roti, or other Kashmiri delicacies like Rogan Josh and Yakhni.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Kashmiri flavors
Easy to prepare at home
Perfect for vegetarian meals

Ingredients

For the Lentil Dumplings (Wadis):

• 1 cup urad dal (split black lentils)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, for frying

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• ¼ teaspoon fennel powder
• ¼ teaspoon coriander powder
• ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
• ¼ teaspoon asafetida powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard oil
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

1: Prepare the Lentil Dumplings

1. Rinse and soak the urad dal in water for 4-5 hours.
2. Drain and grind the lentils into a fine paste using a food processor or blender.
3. Add baking soda and salt, then mix well.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
5. Wet your hands and take a small portion of the paste, shaping it into a ball.
6. Carefully drop the dumpling into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides.
7. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

2: Prepare the Yogurt Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, red chili powder, cumin, fennel, coriander, ginger, and asafetida powder.
2. Heat mustard oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add green chilies and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in the spiced yogurt mixture and stir well.
5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.

3: Combine and Serve

1. Gently add the fried dumplings into the yogurt sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
2. Cover with a lid and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with steamed rice or freshly made roti.
• Enjoy as a side dish with Kashmiri classics like Rogan Josh or Yakhni.
• Adjust spice levels to taste by increasing or decreasing red chili powder.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently on low heat before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make Dahi Wadi ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the lentil dumplings a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Add them to the yogurt sauce just before serving.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Dahi Wadi is naturally gluten-free as it uses lentils and spices without any wheat-based ingredients.

3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?

Yes, but dilute Greek yogurt with a little water to match the consistency of plain yogurt.

Final Thoughts

Dahi Wadi is a must-try Kashmiri dish that brings together creamy, tangy, and spiced flavors in a comforting bowl. Whether you’re new to Kashmiri cuisine or a seasoned cook, this recipe is easy to follow and will surely impress!

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out in the comments!