Lotus stems, also known as lotus root or kamal kakdi, might not be the first thing you think of when planning dinner, but they’ve been a staple in many Indian kitchens for generations. Crisp, nutritious, and incredibly versatile, lotus stem has been used in many recipes across the country. From crispy lotus stem starters to spicy kamal kakdi sabji, there's something about this vegetable that you will surely like.

Why Lotus Stem Is Special

These stems are packed with health benefits. High in fiber and and rich in vitamins like C and B6. Some even say kamal kakdi is good for diabetes and is a smart addition to a diabetic diet due to its low glycemic index.

But health benefits aside, what makes lotus stem really fun is how it can be used in all kinds of dishes. It's a root vegetable that absorbs flavors like a sponge, making it a star ingredient in many dishes. Whether you're frying it up for a snack or tossing it into a curry, lotus stem never disappoints.

Lotus stem

Did you know?

They grow underwater: The lotus plant grows in muddy ponds, but its stems (which are the edible part) stay crisp and crunchy.

They’re called many names: Known as beeh in Sindhi populated areas or bhein/bhey in Punjab, nadru in Kashmir, kamal kakdi in the plains of India and kamal dandi in some parts of the country, it's all the same vegetable!

How do you cook this crunchy vegetable? There are loads of kamal kakdi recipes you can explore.

Each region has its own take on lotus stems. In Kashmir, nadru yakhni is a famous yogurt-based curry, while in Punjab, you'll find hearty kamal kakdi sabji or even a flavorful kamal dandi fry. If you're from UP, you might have heard of bhaside ki sabji, a beloved village recipe.

Nadru Yakhni: lotus stem or nadru in Kashmir is cooked in a yogurt-based gravy. It’s light, aromatic, and perfect for special occasions.

Nadru Yakhni Recipe by Bethica Das
#dussehra Here is my version of a classic Kashmiri cuisine where Lotus Root (Nadru) is cooked in a yoghurt based gravy. Extremely flavourful, the main ingredient comes from the use of fennel seeds. Light and gentle on the stomach with minimum of spices, it is best relished as a side dish with jeera …
CookpadBethica Das

More Kashmiri Nadru Recipes:

Shahi Nadru Ke Kofte Recipe by Sanchita Mittal
#Dussehra Kamal kakdi/Nadru ke shahi kofte/Lotus stem dumplings in Royal flavourful spicy Indian gravy.
CookpadSanchita Mittal

Kamal Kakdi ki Sabji:

Lotus stem sabji Recipe by DrPushpa Dixit
#WIS
CookpadDrPushpa Dixit
Masla Bhey ki sabzi Recipe by Ghazala Israr
#sabzi #mentorship #Motivational post Hamary sindh ke most favourite beh meri is recpie sy banaey Huey meri family main bht like kiey jaty hain
CookpadGhazala Israr
Sindhi Kamal Kakdi Sabzi Recipe by Juhi Sewani 💕
#BCR Brown Colour Recipes #Kamalkakdisabji/curry. It’s an authentic Sindhi Cuisine. It’s a healthy vegetable Easy to make.
CookpadJuhi Sewani 💕

Click for more 👉 Kamal Kakdi ki Sabji

Lotus Stem Chips Recipe: Thinly sliced and fried until crispy, these chips are a crunchy snack. You can even make them in the air fryer for a healthier version.

Lotus Stem Chips Recipe by ZMA
#TR #cookpadindia Lotus stem or Nadru as called in Kashmir is an underwater root Vegetable which has a shape as that of a squash. It can grow upto a length of 4 feet. Found in shallow parts of water bodies like Dal lake, Wular lake, Mansar lake and ponds in the valley. As Lotus stem or root is rich …
CookpadZMA

Kamal Kakdi Ka Achar (kamal kakdi pickle): A tangy pickle made with lotus stems that adds a punch of flavor to any meal.

Lotus stem pickle Recipe by Mukta Shukla
Yummy tangy mouthwatering pickle
CookpadMukta Shukla

Lotus Stem Salad: For those looking to keep it light, lotus stem salad is a refreshing option. The crunch of lotus stems adds an interesting texture to your usual salad mix.

Manipuri salad Singju Recipe by Seema Agarwal
Great recipe for Manipuri salad Singju.
CookpadSeema Agarwal

If you’re a fan of Indo-Chinese flavors, Chinese lotus stem dishes like honey lotus root stir-fry  or soup are delicious too. They’re sweet, spicy, and great for when you want something different.

Honey chilli lotus stem Recipe by ANJALI JINDAL
Inspired From chilli paneer
CookpadANJALI JINDAL
Kung Pao Lotus Root Recipe by Meme
Great recipe for Kung Pao Lotus Root.
CookpadMeme
Lotus stem soup Recipe by Pragati Hakim
Lotus stem is very nutritious.Source of vitamins and minerals.low calories and immunity booster.Also prevents from cancer.
CookpadPragati Hakim

So, what’s your favorite lotus stem recipe? Share with us!

Want a quick starter? Try a lotus stem stir fry. It's crunchy, light, and a perfect way to kick off any meal. You could even fry them up with some spices to make fried lotus stem, lotus stem cutlet, fritters or for a twist—lotus stem bhel or chaat is an interesting fusion snack.

Stir fry Lotus Root Recipe by Jasmin Motta _ #BeingMotta
#PFR #starters It’s spicy and tangy appetizer in any party. It’s a good alternative if you don’t want potatoes and paneer as a part of your side dish.
CookpadJasmin Motta _ #BeingMotta
Lotus stem fritters Recipe by renu bhasin
#RD #Gramflour fritters are most popular snack in mansoon. Hot tea & garam pakore is the best combination to enjoy with friends & family. Lotus stem or kamal kakdi, as it is popularly known, is a powerhouse of nutrients and flavour. It is used to make a variety of dishes, including curries and kofta…
Cookpadrenu bhasin
Lotus Stem Cutlet Recipe by Laju Gehani
#ga24 Haryana
CookpadLaju Gehani
Lotus Stem 65 Recipe by ZMA
#FP #cookpadindia #newrecipe Lotus stem or Nadru as called in Kashmir is an underwater root Vegetable which has a shape as that of a squash. It can grow upto a length of 4 feet. Found in shallow parts of water bodies like Dal lake, Wular lake, Mansar lake and ponds in the valley. As Lotus stem or ro…
CookpadZMA
Lotus Root Chaat Recipe by Surhaan Tahir Wafai
Starter #Fit It’s a very popular chaat in Larkana.whenever we go to Larkana,we always have this chaat.Usually it’s served with paratha in breakfast but we love this chaat so much that we can have it any time. I tried to create it today.So,here you go.....
CookpadSurhaan Tahir Wafai

               Want more delicious recipes? Click here to explore!

How to Pick and Store Lotus Stem

To pick lotus stem (kamal kakdi), choose firm, unblemished light brown or light green stems with a smooth surface and avoid those with soft spots or discolouration. Look for stems that have a fresh, crisp texture when snapped.

To store, wrap the lotus stem in a damp cloth or paper towel and place it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to a week. For longer storage, you can slice and freeze them in airtight containers or zip-lock bags after blanching.

Easy Ways to Enjoy Lotus Stem

Try simple lotus stem fry or lotus stem starter.  

Try a lotus stem stir fry with chili and garlic—it’s a great way to add some spice to your meal.

Chilli Garlic Lotus Stem Recipe by ZMA
#TR #cookpadindia Lotus stem or Nadru as called in Kashmir is an underwater root Vegetable which has a shape as that of a squash. It can grow upto a length of 4 feet. Found in shallow parts of water bodies like Dal lake, Wular lake, Mansar lake and ponds in the valley. As Lotus stem or root is rich …
CookpadZMA

For something unique, try your hand at a lotus stem dry or curry or dal. These dishes are quick, simple, and packed with flavor.

LOTUS STEM CURRY 🍛 (Kamal kakdi curry) Recipe by Jyoti Prakash Assudani
#ga24 #Lotusstem Lotus stem curry 🍛 Kamal Kakdi Ki Sabji is a traditional Indian curry made with lotus stems. It is a vegan and gluten-free main course dish you can make in a pressure cooker or instant pot. aerial shot of kamal kakdi ki sabji in a black ceramic bowl Pin About Lotus Stem Lotus Root …
CookpadJyoti Prakash Assudani
Lotus stem/Kamal kakdi Kofta curry Recipe by Kalpana Rai
#Cookeverypart Lotus stem contains Vit.C and helps in boosting our body’s immunity.Is has iron, potassium, calcium and fiber.It is good for digestion.
CookpadKalpana Rai
Dry Masala Beh (lotus root) Recipe by Sugar And Spice In Life
Coated in roasted, spiced gram flour (besan), these are soft, melt in mouth snacks, can be enjoyed anytime of the day.
CookpadSugar And Spice In Life
Kamal kakdi ki Dal Recipe by Epseeta Panigrahi
#MSR __ it’s Lotus stem in English.Rich in fiber and very rare.
CookpadEpseeta Panigrahi

If you're looking to keep it light, a green lotus stem salad is fresh and tasty. Or, give the crispy lotus root airfryer a go.

It's time to give lotus stem its due place in your kitchen.

Check out our app for fresh recipe ideas or share your own twist on this amazing vegetable.

See you in the Kitchen!