Authentic Himachali Sepu Badi
A traditional festive delicacy from Himachal Pradesh featuring steamed urad dal dumplings simmered in a rich, spiced spinach and yogurt gravy. This comforting curry offers deep, earthy flavors that warm the soul.
80min
Total Time
4
Servings
Himachali
Cuisine
Recipe
1
Drain the soaked urad dal and grind it to a smooth, thick batter using minimal water.
2
Whisk the batter vigorously to incorporate air, then spread it evenly onto a greased plate.
3
Steam the dal batter layer in a steamer for about 15 minutes until set, then cut it into small diamond or square shapes (sepu badis).
4
Lightly pan-fry the steamed badi pieces in a tablespoon of mustard oil until golden brown on the edges; set aside.
5
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat the remaining mustard oil and crackle the cumin seeds along with whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves).
6
Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, then stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw aroma disappears.
7
Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder, stirring quickly for a few seconds.
8
Pour in the spinach puree and cook for 5 minutes until the oil begins to separate from the greens.
9
Reduce the heat to low, slowly whisk in the beaten yogurt continuously to prevent curdling, and bring the gravy to a gentle simmer.
10
Add the fried sepu badis into the bubbling spinach gravy, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes so the dumplings absorb the flavors.
11
Serve hot with steamed rice or traditional Himachali madra.
Ingredients
1 cup split black gram (urad dal), soaked for 4 hours
2 cups fresh spinach leaves, blanched and pureed
1 cup plain yogurt, whisked
2 tablespoons mustard oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
2 black cardamom pods
3 green cardamom pods
1 cinnamon stick
2 cloves
1 bay leaf
1 cup onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
2 teaspoons coriander powder
1 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder
Salt to taste
2 cups water
*This AI-generated recipe may contain inaccuracies.