Lotus stem - Kamal kakdi - Crispy Chips  Kashmiri North Indian Recipe

This beautiful aquatic plant lotus that is also known as India's national flower has numerous uses. Right from stem to petal each and every part of lotus is used in different ways. Eg. Lotus Roots - Ayurvedic medicine, petals - cosmetics, stem as vegetable, seeds as healthy snacks (Makhana).

Today I am going to share about lotus stem and how to use it where and how to buy lotus stem.

Lotus stem is also known as Kamal kakdi or Nadaru or Bhein or Basinda in Pahari language. 

Lotus stem is consumed and grown in North India in Kashmir, Himachal also consumed in Japan and China and Central Asian Countries. 

Mature green stems of lotus flower is edible and know as Kamal kakdi.

These are readily available in markets and consumed during fasting. Either crispy chips, curry (sabzi) is prepared also used in savoury dishes like Biryani or Pulao.

From where to buy lotus stem?

Local vegetable market. 

In Pune City, Maharashtra - Mahatma Phule Mandai or Market yard Gate no.5 or Shivaji Market Gate no- 2.

Best time to buy lotus stem

For fresh lotus stem Summer season or between March to July 

How to buy Lotus stem?

To buy right one you need to check 2 things:- 

1. Both ends of stem sealed and ends are not muddy 

2. The stem should be tender and soft and not dry (dry stem means it is not fresh)

How to use Lotus stem?

• First thing to do is wash stem in salt and water.
• Chop of the ends
• Peel the skin of stem
• Chop and boil

Lotus stem/Kamal kakdi crispy chips 

1- Boil chopped stem (3cm thick) in salt water for 5-8 minutes

2- After boiling drain the water and let stems cool down completely

3- Heat oil in a pan for frying

4- As oil is heated put cooled down lotus stem into oil and fry on medium flame for 5 mins. It will turn crispy 

5- After frying take it out on a oil soaking tissue sprinkle some salt, Kashmiri Chilli powder, Chaat masala (Indian spice mix) and mix well.

This is how kamal kakdi chips (my version) looks like - 

Priya Modha (Bavarchii thoughts)

Now you can eat chips as it is or make gravies and eat as sabzi

Another option is use these tasty chips in Biryani or Pulao.

Lotus stem is healthy substitute for potato chips.

Lotus stem or lotus stem chips can be consumed during fasts (upvas)

Cooking tip- 

Make sure to clean stem thoroughly

Lotus stem is a beautiful Indian vegetable consumed in North India but mostly underrated in other parts.

Next time you visit market after lockdown do buy these beautiful lotus stem sabzi (curry) because it is a challenging job to harvest it. When you buy it it only supports North Indian farmers and it's family.

Thank you for reading. I hope you will try this beautiful Indian vegetable

Do like follow, subscribe and Share.

- pricooked tales

Would you like to try and eat lotus stem or kamal kakdi ?? Let me know in comments