Dudhi Na Muthiya Recipe: A Classic Gujarati Delight

 Dudhi Na Muthiya Recipe: A Classic Gujarati Delight

Introduction

Dudhi Na Muthiya is a traditional Gujarati snack made with bottle gourd (dudhi), whole wheat flour, gram flour, and a blend of aromatic spices. The name "Muthiya" is derived from the Gujarati word "muthi," meaning fist, as the dough is shaped using the hand. This healthy and flavorful dish is steamed to perfection and then tempered for an irresistible taste. It is a versatile recipe that can be served for breakfast, as a tea-time snack, or even as a light dinner.

Ingredients

For the Muthiya Dough:

• 1 cup grated bottle gourd (dudhi)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
• 2 tablespoons semolina (sooji) (optional, for crispiness)
• 2 tablespoons yogurt
• 1 teaspoon ginger-green chili paste
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped coriander leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or as per taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon oil

For the Tempering:

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 8-10 curry leaves
• 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional)

For Garnishing:

• Chopped coriander leaves
• Freshly grated coconut (optional)
• A squeeze of lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a mixing bowl, combine grated bottle gourd with whole wheat flour, gram flour, semolina, and yogurt.
2. Add ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder, cumin seeds, red chili powder, coriander powder, garam masala, sugar, lemon juice, and chopped coriander leaves.
3. Sprinkle salt and mix well. The bottle gourd releases moisture, so knead the mixture into a soft dough without adding extra water.
4. Add baking soda and 1 teaspoon oil. Mix gently.

Step 2: Shape the Muthiya

1. Grease your palms with oil and take a small portion of the dough.
2. Roll it into cylindrical or oval-shaped logs. You can make them thick or thin, as per preference.
3. Repeat with the remaining dough.

Step 3: Steam the Muthiya

1. Heat water in a steamer or a deep pan. Grease the steamer tray.
2. Place the shaped Muthiya logs in the steamer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
3. Cover and steam for about 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the Muthiya comes out clean.
4. Remove from the steamer and let them cool slightly before slicing them into round pieces.

Step 4: Tempering for Added Flavor

1. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan.
2. Add mustard seeds and let them crackle.
3. Add sesame seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and slit green chilies.
4. Sauté for a few seconds, then add the sliced Muthiya.
5. Toss gently and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and grated coconut.
2. Squeeze some lemon juice for a tangy twist.
3. Serve warm with green chutney or yogurt.

Tips for Perfect Dudhi Na Muthiya

• Adjust the moisture: If the dough becomes too sticky, add more gram flour or wheat flour to adjust the consistency.
• Steaming Time: Ensure proper steaming for soft and fluffy Muthiya. Undercooking may make them dense.
• Spice Variations: You can add fennel seeds or carom seeds for a different flavor.
• Crispy Muthiya: If you like them crispier, shallow-fry or air-fry the steamed slices instead of just tempering.
• Storage: Store steamed Muthiya in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Variations

• Methi Muthiya: Substitute bottle gourd with finely chopped fenugreek leaves.
• Palak Muthiya: Use spinach puree instead of bottle gourd for a vibrant green version.
• Jowar or Bajra Muthiya: Replace wheat flour with millet flour for a gluten-free option.

Nutritional Benefits

Dudhi Na Muthiya is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

• Bottle Gourd: Rich in fiber, vitamins, and low in calories, making it great for digestion and weight management.
• Gram Flour: High in protein and iron, perfect for a balanced diet.
• Steamed Cooking: Retains nutrients and makes it a healthy, oil-free snack.