Authentic Gujarati Muthiya Recipe: A Healthy Steam Cooked Delight

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of Fenugreek leaves (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup of Whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup of Gram flour (Besan)
  • 1/4 cup of Semolina (Rava)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of Coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Fennel seeds
  • 1 pinch of Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 1 tablespoon of Sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of Lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons of Oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Sesame seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of Baking soda
  • Water as required
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fenugreek leaves, whole wheat flour, gram flour, semolina, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, asafoetida, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add lemon juice and mix well.
  3. Knead the mixture into a smooth dough by gradually adding water as required.
  4. Divide the dough into equal portions and shape each portion into a cylindrical roll.
  5. Place a steamer filled with water on the heat and let it come to a boil.
  6. Place the rolls in the steamer and cook for about 20 minutes.
  7. Once cooked, remove the rolls from the steamer and allow them to cool. Slice the rolls into round pieces.
  8. In a pan, heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. When the seeds begin to crackle, add sesame seeds.
  9. Add the sliced muthiya pieces to the pan and sauté them on a medium flame for a few minutes until they turn golden brown.
  10. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix all the ingredients together.
  • Steamer - A cooking utensil used for steaming the muthiya rolls.
  • Pan - A flat-bottomed cooking utensil used for sautéing the muthiya.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the steamed muthiya rolls.
  • Spatula - A tool for stirring and flipping the muthiya while sautéing.
  • Measuring Cups - To measure the ingredients accurately.
  • Spoons - For mixing and stirring the dough and other ingredients.
  • Stove - Used for heating the steamer and pan.

Recipe variations

  • Replace fenugreek leaves with spinach leaves or grated bottle gourd (doodhi).
  • Use a combination of different flours like chickpea flour (besan), cornmeal, or rice flour.
  • Add grated vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or cabbage to the dough for added flavor and texture.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of red chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies.
  • Add roasted peanuts or sesame seeds to the dough for a nutty flavor.
  • Instead of steaming, try baking the muthiya in the oven for a crispy texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flours like almond flour or millet flour.
  • Add spices like garam masala, amchur powder (dry mango powder), or chaat masala for a different flavor profile.
  • To make it a vegan recipe, replace ghee or butter with oil.

Recipe overview

Muthiya is a popular Gujarati snack that derives its name from the gripping action ('muthi' means fist in Gujarati) used to shape the dough. It's a delightful combination of fresh fenugreek leaves and a mix of flours, seasoned with aromatic spices, steamed to perfection, and then sautéed in a tempering of mustard and sesame seeds. This recipe is easy to follow and requires readily available ingredients. The result is a nutritious and delicious snack, ideal to serve with tea or as a side dish. With its unique taste and pleasing texture, Muthiya is sure to enchant everyone who tries it. Enjoy the process of creating this traditional Indian delicacy.

Common questions

  1. Can I use dried fenugreek leaves instead of fresh? Yes, you can use dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) as a substitute for fresh fenugreek leaves. However, reduce the quantity to 1/2 cup as dried leaves have a stronger flavor.
  2. Can I skip semolina (rava) in the recipe? Semolina adds a nice texture to the muthiya, but if you don't have it or prefer not to use it, you can omit it from the recipe. The muthiya will still turn out delicious.
  3. Can I steam the muthiya in a pressure cooker instead of a steamer? Yes, you can steam the muthiya in a pressure cooker. Place a stand or a small plate at the bottom of the cooker and add water. Steam the muthiya without the whistle for about 20 minutes on medium heat.
  4. Can I make the dough in advance and refrigerate it? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to cover it properly to prevent it from drying out. When ready to cook, bring the dough to room temperature and shape it into rolls before steaming.
  5. Can I freeze the leftover muthiya? Yes, you can freeze the leftover muthiya. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Steamer - A steamer is required to cook the muthiya rolls.
  • Large Mixing Bowl - A large mixing bowl is needed to combine the ingredients and knead the dough.
  • Pan - A pan is used to sauté the sliced muthiya pieces.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary to slice the muthiya rolls into round pieces.
  • Spatula - A spatula is helpful for stirring and flipping the muthiya while sautéing.
  • Plate or Serving Platter - A plate or serving platter is used to serve the cooked muthiya.

Origin stories

Muthiya, a popular Gujarati snack, draws its name from its distinctive shape. The word 'muthi' translates to 'fist' in Gujarati, and Muthiya, traditionally shaped by the clutch of a hand, mirrors this form. It's a testament to the beautiful simplicity of home cooking: even the simplest of forms, like a clenched fist, can inspire a delicious dish that generations come to cherish. Muthiya is not just food; it's a piece of cultural heritage passed down through the ages, a touch of home, and a symbol of Gujarat's love for good food and unique flavors.

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.