Is Kadhi High in Carbs? A Complete Nutritional Guide

November 2, 2025 •

4 min read

The carbohydrate content of kadhi can vary significantly, ranging from moderate to high depending on the ingredients and accompaniments used. This nutritional guide will break down the components of kadhi to answer the question: Is kadhi high in carbs, and how can you manage its carb count effectively?

Quick Summary

Kadhi's carb count varies based on its besan content and additions like pakoras and rice. This guide details how ingredients and preparation methods affect its nutritional profile for dieters.

Key Points

Besan is the main carb source: The gram flour used to thicken kadhi is the primary contributor to its carbohydrate content.
Accompaniments increase carb load: Serving kadhi with white rice or roti significantly increases the total carbohydrate count of the meal.
Plain vs. Pakora Kadhi: Plain kadhi has a moderate carb count, whereas kadhi with deep-fried besan pakoras is considerably higher in both carbs and fat.
DIY low-carb kadhi is possible: You can reduce the carb count by using less besan, choosing low-fat yogurt, and pairing it with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice.
Health benefits exist beyond carbs: Kadhi offers probiotics from yogurt, fiber from besan, and various minerals, supporting gut health and digestion.
Portion control is key: Even higher-carb versions of kadhi can fit into a balanced diet with mindful portion sizes.

Understanding Kadhi's Core Ingredients

To determine if kadhi is high in carbohydrates, it's essential to look at its primary components. The two main ingredients are yogurt (curd) and besan (gram flour), both of which contribute to the dish's macronutrient profile.

Yogurt: The Probiotic Base

Yogurt forms the tangy, creamy base of most kadhi recipes. Plain yogurt contains a small amount of naturally occurring carbohydrates from milk sugar (lactose), but its main benefit is its probiotic content, which aids digestion. For a low-carb kadhi, opting for full-fat, unsweetened yogurt is often better, as it has a higher fat-to-carb ratio and can be more satiating.

Besan (Gram Flour): The Main Carb Contributor

Besan, or chickpea flour, is the thickening agent that gives kadhi its characteristic body. This ingredient is the primary source of carbohydrates in the dish. While besan is rich in complex carbohydrates, it also has a decent amount of protein and fiber, giving it a relatively low glycemic index compared to refined flours. A 100-gram serving of besan contains approximately 57 grams of carbs, making it a significant factor in the final dish's carb count.

How Variations Affect the Carb Count

Not all kadhi is created equal. The total carbohydrate load can change drastically depending on the specific recipe and what you serve with it.

Plain Kadhi vs. Kadhi with Pakoras

Plain Kadhi: A basic, no-frills kadhi made with just yogurt, besan, and spices is naturally lower in carbs. A single serving can contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates, primarily from the besan and yogurt.
Kadhi with Pakoras: The addition of fried fritters (pakoras) to the kadhi significantly increases both the carbohydrate and fat content. Pakoras are made from besan and are deep-fried, adding a considerable number of calories and carbs to the final meal.

Regional Variations

Gujarati Kadhi: This version is known for its sweeter flavor profile, achieved by adding sugar. This can increase the overall carb count, especially if a generous amount of sugar is used.
Punjabi Kadhi: Often heartier and more savory, Punjabi kadhi is frequently served with besan pakoras, driving up the carb and fat content.

Pairing with Accompaniments

Kadhi with Rice: The most common way to enjoy kadhi is with rice (kadhi-chawal). This pairing dramatically increases the total carb load, as rice itself is very carb-dense. A standard serving of this combination can contain over 70 grams of carbs, making it less suitable for low-carb diets.
Kadhi with Roti/Chapati: Serving kadhi with wheat-based roti or chapati also adds a significant amount of carbs from the flour.

Nutritional Comparison: Kadhi Variations

The following table compares the approximate carbohydrate content of different kadhi types and common pairings to illustrate the impact of ingredients and accompaniments. Nutritional information can vary, so these are average estimates.


Kadhi Type	Approximate Carbs (per serving)	Key Carb Sources	Suitability for Low-Carb Diet	Notes
Plain Kadhi (Low-Fat)	10-15 grams	Besan, yogurt	Good	Minimal besan and no added sugar or high-carb sides.
Standard Kadhi	15-25 grams	Besan, yogurt	Moderate	Contains a moderate amount of besan; still depends on serving size.
Kadhi with Pakora	30-50+ grams	Besan (in both kadhi & pakora)	Poor	Significantly higher in carbs and fat due to the deep-fried fritters.
Kadhi Chawal	40-75+ grams	Besan, rice	Poor	The combination with carb-heavy white rice drastically increases the total.
Keto Kadhi	<10 grams	Small amounts of besan/thickeners	Excellent	Uses alternative thickeners like almond flour or coconut yogurt.

Low-Carb Kadhi Alternatives and Strategies

For those watching their carb intake, kadhi doesn't have to be off-limits. Here are several strategies to enjoy it while keeping carbs low:

Use minimal besan: Reduce the amount of gram flour used to thicken the curry. You can also thicken it naturally by simmering for longer.
Choose the right yogurt: Use full-fat, unsweetened yogurt to increase satiety without adding sugar. For a dairy-free keto version, some recipes use full-fat coconut yogurt.
Skip the pakoras: The easiest way to cut a significant amount of carbs and fat is to omit the fried fritters. Enjoy plain kadhi instead.
Change your pairing: Instead of white rice or roti, pair your kadhi with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice, millet, or quinoa.
Try alternative thickeners: Some modern keto-friendly recipes substitute besan with almond flour or psyllium husk for thickening.
Control your portion size: If you are having a higher-carb version, simply eat a smaller portion. Portion control is a key part of any healthy diet.
Incorporate more vegetables: Add low-carb vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or carrots to increase the fiber content and volume without adding many carbs.

The Health Benefits Beyond Carbs

Despite its carb content, kadhi offers several health benefits:

Probiotics: The yogurt base contains beneficial bacteria that support gut health and digestion.
Fiber: Besan is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and can help with weight management by promoting fullness.
Nutrient-Dense: Kadhi is rich in vitamins and minerals like magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, which are good for bone health and heart health.
Digestive Aid: Spices like ginger, cumin, and hing are known to aid digestion and reduce bloating.

Conclusion

Ultimately, whether kadhi is high in carbs depends entirely on how it's prepared and served. While a bowl of kadhi with pakoras and rice can be very carb-heavy, a plain, low-fat kadhi is relatively moderate. For those on low-carb diets, a homemade version with minimal besan, no sugar, and a low-carb pairing is a perfectly healthy and satisfying option. By understanding the nutritional impact of each ingredient, you can easily adjust this comforting dish to fit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor or health benefits. It's a versatile meal that, with a little modification, can be enjoyed by almost anyone.

Here's a great example of a healthy Indian diet that discusses many similar concepts: Dietitian Natasha Mohan's Kadhi Chawal for Weight Loss guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, kadhi can be good for weight loss if prepared correctly. Opt for a low-fat, plain version without fried pakoras, and serve it with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice instead of white rice to reduce calories and carbs.

The carb count varies widely. A small serving of low-fat kadhi might have around 10-15 grams, while a large serving of kadhi with pakoras and rice could easily exceed 70 grams.

Yes, besan (gram flour) is high in carbohydrates. A 100-gram serving contains approximately 57 grams of complex carbs. However, it also has a good amount of protein and fiber.

To make a low-carb kadhi, use less besan or substitute it with a low-carb thickener like almond flour. Skip the fried pakoras and serve it with a low-carb side dish. For a keto-friendly version, use coconut yogurt.

Kadhi is often considered a healthy option due to its probiotic-rich yogurt base and digestion-aiding spices. Its healthiness relative to other curries depends on the specific ingredients and preparation; a light kadhi can be healthier than a cream-heavy curry.

While the glycemic index of kadhi itself can vary, the besan used has a relatively low GI, which helps prevent sharp blood sugar spikes. The overall meal's GI will depend on what it's served with; pairing with white rice increases the GI.

Yes, people with diabetes can consume kadhi, especially versions made with minimal besan and no added sugar. Besan's low glycemic index is also beneficial. They should avoid high-carb pairings like white rice and choose low-fat yogurt.