It was in 2016 that I ordered Rajasthani Kacchi Haldi ki Sabzi for lunch from one of the (then) newly launched online food delivery services. It was love at first taste. As is wont, I immediately searched for the recipe for this gluten-free Turmeric Root and Peas Curry online and made it at home. Ever since then, I make this traditional Rajasthani dish often at home; especially in winter.
I have only made pickled turmeric root in lemon juice, and so cooking with it was a novel idea. I was quite intrigued by this traditional Rajasthani recipe and could not wait to try it; especially after I tasted this Kacchi Haldi ki Sabzi. I had to give it a few tries before I got the balance of turmeric root to peas just right; too much turmeric root and this curry is quite inedible while too little means you do not get to taste it at all.
What I liked about Haldi ki Sabzi was that it was cooked such that it delivered the manifold benefits of turmeric: the turmeric root keeps you warm in winter, the ghee in the dish helps absorb the curcumin, and the dahi + milk counter-balance the heat generated by the turmeric.
Things to Note About Kacchi Haldi ki Sabzi
- Fresh turmeric root is found in abundance in winter and Kacchi Haldi ki Sabzi is a winter specialty in Rajasthan. This traditional Rajasthani dish is a great way to counter the bitter cold of North India (especially the desert regions of Rajasthan) because turmeric root generates a lot of body heat.
- The dahi and milk in this turmeric root curry help balance the heat generated by the turmeric.
- Do use ghee liberally in making this dish as it help absorb the curcumin in turmeric. Curcumin is what delivers all those health benefits of turmeric.
- Turmeric is a superfood; there is no doubt about it. However, like everything, moderation is the key to enjoying the benefits. Have small portions and pregnant women should not eat this curry.
Other Winter Recipes You May Enjoy
- Methi Na Dhebra from Gujarat
- Hitikida Avarekalu Saaru from Karnataka
- Fresh Turmeric Root and Mango Ginger Pickle in Lemon Juice
- Ulava Charu | Kollu Rasam | Andhra Style Horse Gram Stew
How to Make Rajasthani Kacchi Haldi ki Sabzi | Turmeric Root and Peas Curry
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Using a few drops of oil, grease the palms of your hands, nails and back of your fingers. Be sure to do this, otherwise, your hands and nails may remain yellow for a day or two.
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Peel and grate 100 gms of fresh turmeric.
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Cover and set aside.
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Beat 1/2 cup yogurt well to ensure there are no lumps.
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Slit 4 green chillies and set aside.
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In a pan, over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp the ghee.
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Add the 1 tsp cumin seeds and 4 slit green chillies, and stir-fry till the cumin starts to change colour.
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Add 1/2 cup grated turmeric root.
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Stir-fry till the turmeric starts to change colour and the raw turmeric smell starts to disappear. Keep stirring as the turmeric has a tendency to stick to the pan.
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Add 1 cup green peas and stir-fry till the peas soften a bit.
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Add 1 tsp red chilli and 1.5 tsp coriander powder, and mix well.
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Turn the heat down to low.
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Add 1/2 cup milk and let the peas and turmeric cook in the milk for 2-3 minutes.
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Turn off the heat.
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Immediately add 1 cup well-beaten yogurt and some salt. Mix well.
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Cover and set aside for 10 minutes.
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Serve warm Kacchi Haldi ki Sabzi with rotis.
I first posted this recipe in March 2016 and am reposting it now with step-by-step photos.
Recipe for Kacchi Haldi ki Sabzi
Rajasthani Kacchi Haldi ki Sabzi
Ingredients
- 100 gms Fresh Turmeric Root (1/2 cup, grated)
- 1 Cup Peas (150 gms)
- 1 Cup Dahi or Yogurt
- 1/2 Cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Ghee
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 4 Green Chillies
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1.5 tsp Coriander Powder
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
- Using a few drops of oil, grease the palms of your hands, nails and back of your fingers. Be sure to do this, otherwise, your hands and nails may remain yellow for a day or two.
- Peel and grate 100 gms of fresh turmeric.
- Beat 1/2 cup yogurt well to ensure there are no lumps.
- Slit 4 green chillies and set aside.
- In a pan, over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp the ghee.
- Add the cumin seeds and slit green chillies, and stir-fry till the cumin starts to change colour.
- Add 1/2 cup grated turmeric root and stir-fry till the turmeric starts to change colour and the raw turmeric smell starts to disappear. Be sure to keep stirring as the turmeric has a tendency to stick to the pan.
- Add 1 cup green peas and continue to stir-fry till the peas soften a bit.
- Add 1 tsp red chilli and 1.5 tsp coriander powder, and mix well.
- Turn the heat down to low.
- Add 1/2 cup milk and let the peas and turmeric cook in the milk for 2-3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat.
- Immediately add 1 cup of well-beaten yogurt and some salt. Mix well.
- Cover and set aside for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm Kacchi Haldi ki Sabzi with rotis.
Notes
- If possible, cook this dish in a non-stick pan as the turmeric really sticks to the pan.
- Before adding milk, be sure to turn down the heat, otherwise there is a chance that the milk and yogurt that you add later will curdle.
- If the curry is very thick, add a little more milk.
Sandhya says
Aruna, I have never had this subji but it sounds so yummy and so nutritious. Will definitely try it.
Aruna says
Do… Do. You will love it!
Garima Narera says
Khalis Rajasthani
simplyvegetarian777 says
How very interesting Aruna!??
Aruna says
It is something different, Sonal, and very nice!
Elaine @ foodbod says
Sounds good, definitely one to try!
Aruna says
Only when temperatures are low, please. 🙂
Elaine @ foodbod says
What is it that generates the heat?
Aruna says
The turmeric…. It is not as bad as horsegram (where you can feel the heat). That is why I added the disclaimer that Pregnant women should not eat this.
Elaine @ foodbod says
Okay
MyCulinarySaga says
Sounds and looks delicious 😉 too bad I dont get turmeric root here.! but bookmarking this – some day i will try for sure..
Aruna says
I hope some turmeric root materializes magically somewhere near you. 🙂
MyCulinarySaga says
CHCooks says
I have never heard about this – looks wonderful Aruna 🙂
Aruna says
Thank you 🙂
sarithakumbakkara says
Aruna, the bright colour and creamy texture is so inviting! I’m sure it tastes like heaven with simple rotis/parattas!
Aruna says
It does, Saritha. Just be sure to sautee the Haldi properly or you will have raw turmeric taste.
sarithakumbakkara says
I will keep that in mind while cooking this wondeful recipe !
Chitra Jagadish says
wow looks so flavorsome Aruna… Yummm
Aruna says
Thank you, Chitra
swapnakarthik says
Never tried turmeric root in any recipes…Good one ,Aruna….
srividhya says
wow curry with fresh turmeric roots.. This sounds interesting.. bookmarking.
Aruna says
??
CakePants says
This looks delicious, Aruna! I don’t think I’ve ever had fresh turmeric – only dried/ground. I bet this is super flavorful!
Aruna says
It is…. The only thing is that it stains everything in sight yellow. 😀 😀
Batter Up With Sujata says
Curry looks tempting. Never heard of it. I use fresh turmeric in milk or turmeric shot. But peeling is really messy. Thanks for sharing.
Seema Gupta says
this is so yummy and healthful