Authentic Indian Kada: Traditional Healing Drink Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups of basmati rice
1 pound of chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
1 large onion, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
2 green chilies, slit
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of red chili powder
2 teaspoon of coriander powder
1 teaspoon of garam masala powder
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
4 cups of water
3 tablespoons of cooking oil
Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

Wash the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
Heat the cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the raw smell goes away.
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they turn mushy.
Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt to the pan. Stir well and cook for a few minutes until the spices are well-blended.
Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they turn white. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated with the spice mixture.
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently to mix the rice with the chicken and spices.
Add the water to the pan and stir well. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
Add the garam masala powder, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves to the pan. Stir gently to mix.
Cover the pan and let the Kada sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Tools for making

Large pan - A pan large enough to cook the chicken and rice together.
Cutting board - A sturdy surface for chopping onions, tomatoes, and other ingredients.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting and chopping the vegetables and chicken.
Measuring cups - Cups for measuring the rice, water, and spices accurately.
Measuring spoons - Spoons for measuring precise amounts of spices.
Grater - A tool for grating the ginger.
Spatula - A flat utensil for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
Wooden spoon - A spoon made of wood for stirring the rice and chicken.
Lid or cover - A lid to cover the pan while simmering the Kada.
Colander - A tool for draining the soaked rice.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or tofu.
Spicier Version: Increase the amount of green chilies or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Seafood Variation: Replace the chicken with shrimp or fish fillets.
Vegetable Kada: Skip the meat altogether and add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, peas, and cauliflower.
Lemon Kada: Add the juice of one lemon to give the dish a tangy flavor.
Coconut Kada: Substitute half of the water with coconut milk for a creamy coconut flavor.
Cashew Kada: Add a handful of cashew nuts for a crunchy texture.
Herb-infused Kada: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to add a unique twist to the dish.
Mixed Spice Kada: Customize the spice blend by adding your favorite spices such as cumin, cinnamon, or cardamom.
Brown Rice Kada: Swap the basmati rice with brown rice for a healthier alternative.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Kada recipe page! This is a simple and flavorful dish that originates from the Indian subcontinent, where it's appreciated for its robust combination of spices, tender chicken, and fluffy basmati rice. Kada is reminiscent of a biryani or pilaf, but has a unique taste profile of its own, with ginger, garlic, and green chilies providing a kick of heat, while a blend of traditional spices give it a depth of flavor. In this recipe, we'll guide you through the process of making Kada at home, from preparing your ingredients to the correct cooking technique. The result is a beautifully aromatic and hearty dish that's perfect for a family meal or for entertaining guests. It might seem a little complex, but we promise it's worth every minute you put into it. Enjoy the journey of making Kada and most importantly, enjoy the delicious results!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe? Yes, you can use a different type of rice, but the texture and cooking time may vary.
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless? Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Can I substitute fresh tomatoes with canned tomatoes? Yes, you can use canned tomatoes as a substitute. Use approximately 1 cup of canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.
Is it necessary to soak the rice before cooking? Soaking the rice helps to remove excess starch and results in fluffier rice. It is recommended to soak the rice for better results, but it is not mandatory.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Kada by omitting the chicken and adding vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers.
Can I adjust the spice level? Yes, you can adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences. Increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and green chilies accordingly.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger batch. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and pan size accordingly.
Can I prepare Kada in advance? Kada is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it in advance and reheat it before serving. However, the texture of the rice may slightly change upon reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

Serving platter - A large platter to serve the Kada.
Serving spoon - A large spoon to serve the rice and chicken.
Rice cooker - Optional, for cooking the rice separately if preferred.
Knife - For chopping onions, tomatoes, and other ingredients.
Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for chopping.
Large pan - For cooking the chicken and rice.
Measuring cups - To measure the rice and water accurately.
Measuring spoons - For measuring spices.
Grater - To grate the ginger.
Spatula - For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
Lid - To cover the pan while simmering the rice.
Tongs - For handling the chicken pieces while cooking.

Origin stories

Kada is a flavorful and hearty dish that hails from the Indian subcontinent, specifically the southern region where the use of rice, spices, and meat are common in the local cuisine. The name "Kada" itself is an indication of the cooking method used, as it refers to a large, heavy-bottomed pot typically used in Indian cooking. This dish reflects the amalgamation of various cultures and traditions that have influenced Indian cuisine over the centuries. Each ingredient holds a story of its own, from the basmati rice representing the fertile plains of the Ganges River, to the diverse array of spices indicative of India's age-old spice trade. It is said that the British, during their colonial rule in India, fell in love with the aromatic and spicy dishes of the subcontinent, leading to the creation of similar dishes such as kedgeree. The enduring popularity of Kada and its variations across regions and cultures is a testament to its rich blend of flavors and its comforting, home-cooked appeal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.