How many calories in 200 grams of Kadhi?

November 3, 2025 •

6 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 200-gram serving of kadhi can range significantly in calorie content, with one source indicating a besan kadhi at approximately 357 kcal, while another mentions a lighter dahi kadhi at 108 kcal per 100g, making a 200g serving around 216 kcal. The exact number depends heavily on the recipe, particularly the type of yogurt and the presence of high-calorie additions like pakoras.

Quick Summary

This article explores the varying calorie counts of a 200g serving of kadhi, explaining how ingredients, preparation, and regional variations impact its nutritional value. It offers practical tips for reducing calories and a comparison of different versions, empowering readers to make healthier dietary choices.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in a 200g serving of kadhi can differ widely, ranging from around 200 kcal for a light version to over 400 kcal for a rich, restaurant-style version with pakoras.
Key Influencers: The primary factors affecting calorie count are the fat content of the yogurt or buttermilk and the inclusion of deep-fried besan pakoras.
Reduce Fat: Using low-fat yogurt and minimizing oil or ghee for tempering are effective ways to significantly lower the calorie count.
Use Healthy Alternatives: Baking or air-frying pakoras and adding vegetables like spinach or sprouts can maintain flavor and texture while keeping the dish light.
Rich in Probiotics: The fermented yogurt base provides probiotics that are excellent for gut health and digestion.
Nutrient-Dense: Kadhi offers protein from besan, and healthy spices add flavor and anti-inflammatory properties.
Regional Differences: Be aware of different regional variations, such as the thicker Punjabi kadhi or the thinner Rajasthani version, as they have different calorie profiles.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Homemade kadhi is almost always a healthier option, as it allows for better control over ingredients and cooking methods compared to restaurant versions.

What are the main factors that influence the calories in kadhi?

The calorie content of kadhi is not fixed and can vary dramatically. This is primarily due to the type of ingredients used and the cooking method employed. The two most significant factors are the fat content of the yogurt or buttermilk and whether the dish includes deep-fried fritters (pakoras). A plain, home-cooked kadhi made with low-fat yogurt and minimal oil will have a much lower calorie count than a rich, restaurant-style version loaded with deep-fried besan pakoras.

Other elements that can influence the final calorie count include the amount of oil or ghee used for tempering, the addition of vegetables, and the quantity of gram flour (besan) used for thickening. For example, a version with a heavy tempering of ghee or fried onions will naturally be more calorific.

Calorie Breakdown: Plain vs. Pakora Kadhi

To illustrate the impact of ingredients on the calorie count, let's compare a hypothetical 200-gram serving of two different types of kadhi. It is clear from the data available that adding pakoras significantly increases the overall calorie load.


Feature	Plain Kadhi (approximate per 200g)	Kadhi Pakora (approximate per 200g)
Calorie Count	~216 kcal	~276 kcal (based on a 100g serving at 138kcal)
Primary Ingredients	Yogurt, besan, spices	Yogurt, besan, spices, deep-fried fritters (pakoras)
Fat Content	Lower fat from tempering only	Higher fat due to deep-frying the pakoras
Cooking Method	Simmering the yogurt and besan mixture	Simmering, with pre-fried pakoras added later

This table highlights why a simple ingredient change can have such a profound effect on the nutritional profile of the dish. While both offer similar foundational nutrition, the pakoras add a substantial amount of fat and calories.

Regional Variations in Kadhi and their Calorie Counts

Kadhi is a versatile dish with numerous regional interpretations across India, each with its own calorie profile. The key differences lie in the consistency, base ingredients, and added extras.

Punjabi Kadhi: Known for its thick consistency and often includes deep-fried pakoras. A restaurant or takeaway version can be very high in calories due to the amount of oil used. However, a homemade version using low-fat yogurt and baked pakoras can be much healthier.
Rajasthani Kadhi: Characterized by its thin, watery texture and spicier flavor profile. It's typically lower in calories than the Punjabi version because it doesn't traditionally contain pakoras.
Gujarati Kadhi: A sweeter, thinner version that is often served with khichdi. It uses a combination of curd and besan but generally avoids the deep-fried additions, keeping its calorie count relatively low.
Dal Kadhi: Some variations, like dal kadhi, use cooked lentils instead of besan for thickening, which alters the macronutrient balance by increasing the protein and fiber content.

How to create a low-calorie kadhi at home

Making a delicious yet low-calorie kadhi is easily achievable with a few simple adjustments. Here are some tips to reduce the fat and calorie content without sacrificing flavor:

Use low-fat or skim milk yogurt: The fat content of the yogurt is a major factor. Switching to a low-fat or even fat-free yogurt or buttermilk can drastically reduce the calories.
Minimize oil or ghee: Use just enough oil or ghee for the tempering (tadka). One teaspoon is usually sufficient to bloom the spices and add flavor. You can also use a non-stick pan to further reduce the need for oil.
Bake or use an air fryer for pakoras: If you enjoy kadhi with pakoras, consider baking them instead of deep-frying. This eliminates the high calorie count associated with frying while still providing a satisfying texture.
Add vegetables for volume and nutrients: Incorporate chopped vegetables like spinach, fenugreek leaves, or bottle gourd into your kadhi. This increases the fiber content, making it more filling without adding excess calories.
Use homemade tempering spices: Prepare your own tempering at home rather than relying on store-bought mixes, which may contain added oils or preservatives.
Experiment with sprout kadhi: For an innovative and healthy twist, replace traditional pakoras with nutrient-rich sprouts. Sprouts provide a satisfying crunch and boost the protein and antioxidant content.

Nutritional benefits beyond calories

Beyond its calorie content, kadhi offers several health benefits due to its core ingredients.

Gut Health: The yogurt or buttermilk base is a rich source of probiotics, beneficial bacteria that promote a healthy digestive system.
Protein and Fiber: Kadhi made with besan provides a good source of protein and complex carbohydrates. The addition of vegetables or sprouts can further increase the fiber content.
Immunity Boost: The spices commonly used in tempering, such as turmeric and ginger, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support the immune system.
Weight Management: The high protein content and satiating nature of kadhi can help in weight management by keeping you feeling full for longer.

Conclusion: Kadhi's calorie content is a variable you control

The question of how many calories in 200 grams of kadhi has no single answer, but a range. A basic, simple home-cooked kadhi can be a low-calorie, gut-friendly, and nutrient-dense meal, potentially in the 200-250 kcal range for a 200g serving. Conversely, a restaurant-style kadhi with deep-fried pakoras could easily exceed 400 kcal for the same portion. By understanding the factors that influence the calorie count—primarily the fat in the dairy and the inclusion of fried additions—you can make informed choices to align this comforting dish with your dietary goals. Opting for low-fat yogurt, minimizing oil, and adding healthy vegetables are key strategies for making a satisfying and healthy kadhi.

Key takeaways:

Varies Significantly: The calorie count for 200 grams of kadhi can vary widely, typically ranging from roughly 200 to over 400 kcal, depending on the recipe.
Pakoras Increase Calories: The biggest factor influencing calorie content is the addition of deep-fried besan pakoras, which can dramatically raise the fat and calorie count.
Use Low-Fat Yogurt: Choosing low-fat or skim milk yogurt instead of full-fat versions is a simple way to reduce the overall calorie count.
Control the Tempering: Using a minimal amount of oil or ghee for tempering can effectively reduce the fat and calorie intake.
Healthy Additions: Incorporating vegetables like spinach or sprouts increases fiber and nutrients while keeping calories low.

FAQs

Question: Is kadhi a good option for weight loss? Answer: Yes, kadhi can be excellent for weight loss, especially when prepared with low-fat yogurt and without deep-fried pakoras. Its high protein content from besan and probiotics from yogurt can promote satiety and improve digestion.

Question: How can I reduce the calories in Punjabi kadhi with pakoras? Answer: To reduce the calories, you can bake or air-fry the pakoras instead of deep-frying them. You can also use low-fat yogurt and limit the amount of oil used for the tempering.

Question: What is the difference between homemade kadhi and restaurant kadhi calories? Answer: Homemade kadhi often has fewer calories because you have control over the ingredients, such as using low-fat yogurt and less oil. Restaurant kadhi often uses more fat and can contain deep-fried elements, significantly increasing the calorie count.

Question: Can I make kadhi without besan to reduce calories? Answer: Yes, some variations, like Rajasthani kadhi, use very little or no besan. You can also explore recipes that use sprouted legumes for thickening, which adds fiber and protein.

Question: Is kadhi gluten-free? Answer: Traditional kadhi, made with gram flour (besan), is naturally gluten-free. It is always best to check ingredient lists for store-bought versions to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.

Question: Does adding sugar increase the calories in kadhi? Answer: Yes, the addition of sugar, common in some Gujarati kadhi recipes, will increase the calorie count. For a healthier option, you can omit the sugar or use a natural, low-calorie sweetener in moderation.

Question: What is a good side dish for low-calorie kadhi? Answer: For a healthy and balanced meal, pair your kadhi with brown rice, roti, or a side of steamed vegetables. Avoiding high-calorie sides like white rice in large portions can help with weight management.

Question: How many calories are in 100 grams of kadhi? Answer: The calories in 100 grams of kadhi can range from approximately 108 kcal for a simpler version to around 178 kcal for a besan kadhi, illustrating the wide variability depending on the recipe.

Question: What makes kadhi healthy? Answer: Kadhi is healthy due to the probiotic content from the yogurt, protein from besan, and beneficial spices like turmeric. These components support gut health, provide essential nutrients, and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, kadhi can be excellent for weight loss, especially when prepared with low-fat yogurt and without deep-fried pakoras. Its high protein content from besan and probiotics from yogurt can promote satiety and improve digestion.

To reduce the calories, you can bake or air-fry the pakoras instead of deep-frying them. You can also use low-fat yogurt and limit the amount of oil used for the tempering.

Homemade kadhi often has fewer calories because you have control over the ingredients, such as using low-fat yogurt and less oil. Restaurant kadhi often uses more fat and can contain deep-fried elements, significantly increasing the calorie count.

Yes, some variations, like Rajasthani kadhi, use very little or no besan. You can also explore recipes that use sprouted legumes for thickening, which adds fiber and protein.

Traditional kadhi, made with gram flour (besan), is naturally gluten-free. It is always best to check ingredient lists for store-bought versions to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present.

Yes, the addition of sugar, common in some Gujarati kadhi recipes, will increase the calorie count. For a healthier option, you can omit the sugar or use a natural, low-calorie sweetener in moderation.

For a healthy and balanced meal, pair your kadhi with brown rice, roti, or a side of steamed vegetables. Avoiding high-calorie sides like white rice in large portions can help with weight management.

The calories in 100 grams of kadhi can range from approximately 108 kcal for a simpler version to around 178 kcal for a besan kadhi, illustrating the wide variability depending on the recipe.

Kadhi is healthy due to the probiotic content from the yogurt, protein from besan, and beneficial spices like turmeric. These components support gut health, provide essential nutrients, and have anti-inflammatory properties.