Today’s Kashmiri Food Recipe: Nadru Yakhni

Today’s Kashmiri Food Recipe: Nadru Yakhni (Lotus Stem in Yogurt Gravy)

If you want to try a classic and comforting Kashmiri dish today, Nadru Yakhni is an excellent choice. This vegetarian recipe features lotus stem (nadru) cooked in a creamy, aromatic yogurt-based gravy, flavored with signature Kashmiri spices.

Ingredients

• 400g lotus stems (chopped; substitute with water chestnuts if needed)
• ¼ tsp turmeric powder
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 tsp garlic cloves (crushed)
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 10-12 black peppercorns
• 2 black cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 1 tsp dry ginger powder
• 1 tsp fennel seeds powder
• 1 cup curd (whipped)
• ¼ cup fried onions (barista, crushed)
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 tbsp dehydrated mint powder
• Oil (as needed)
• Water (as required)

Method

1. Prepare Lotus Stem:
   Clean and chop the lotus stem. Boil with turmeric and salt until tender. Drain and keep aside.
2. Spice Tempering:
   Heat oil in a pan. Add garlic, cinnamon, black peppercorns, black cardamom, cloves, and green cardamom. Sauté for a minute.
3. Add Lotus Stem:
   Add the boiled lotus stem to the pan. Mix well.
4. Spice It Up:
   Add dry ginger powder, fennel seed powder, and salt. Stir and cook for 2 minutes.
5. Yogurt Gravy:
   Lower the heat. Add whipped curd slowly, stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Add water to adjust consistency (should resemble thin buttermilk).
6. Simmer:
   Let the mixture come to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until flavors blend.
7. Finish:
   Add crushed fried onions, ghee, and mint powder. Cook for 3 more minutes.
8. Serve:
   Serve hot with steamed rice for an authentic Kashmiri meal experience.

Tips

• Whip the yogurt well to avoid curdling.
• Lotus stem gives the dish a unique crunch; water chestnuts can be used as a substitute if lotus stem is unavailable.
• The dish is mild yet aromatic, showcasing the subtlety of Kashmiri cuisine.

This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner and brings the flavors of Kashmir to your table12.

Other Popular Kashmiri Dishes to Try:

• Rogan Josh (lamb curry)
• Dum Olav (Dum Aloo – spicy potatoes)
• Yakhni (lamb in yogurt gravy)
• Modur Pulav (sweet saffron rice)
• Haak Saag (stir-fried greens)34

Enjoy your Kashmiri meal with Thevalleyvision.in!