Recipe- Doodhi Muthiya Is A Savory Snack From Gujarati Cuisine

Muthiya word comes from the way it is made, which means ‘fist’. The snack is made with dough binded in form of small dumplings or into croquette shaped logs and then steamed. The logs are then cut into small bites sized pieces and then fried or tempered in mustard seeds and curry leaves tempering.

It is a very popular snack from the state of Gujarat but now gaining popularity in other states too. Being a North Indian, I never had Muthiya, it was only when I went to Mumbai after my marriage there I saw it selling in one of the sweet shop. Out of curiosity I asked the owner that if I can taste it and then bought a few pieces.I loved the taste and felt it like a spices version of Rajasthani Gatte.

Later, I saw the recipe in one of Tarla Dalal’s book, followed it and after a few failures got the recipe correct. It is a wonderful tea time snack and can be served your guests. Pair it with some spicy chutney, a cup of hot spiced ginger tea for a filling and satisfying delicious snack treat.

This steamed snack can be considered as a healthy as all the ingredients used here are nutritious and very less oil is used in preparing it. There are version of deep fried Muthiya but I like this steamed and then lightly sauteed version more.

Ingredients

2 Cups Grated Bottle Gourd/Lauki/Doodhi
1 Cup Finely Chopped Methi Leaves
1/2 Cup Besan
1/2 Cup Oats Flour
1/4 Cup Plain Yogurt/Curd
Small Fresh Ginger(1")
2-3 Green Chillies or as preferred
¼ tsp Baking Soda
½ tsp Ajwain/Caraway Seeds
1 tsp Red Chilli Powder or as preferred
½ tsp Turmeric Powder/Haldi
a pinch Asafeotida/Hing
Salt to taste
1 tsp Oil
1 tbsp Oil
1 tsp Mustard Seeds/Rai
1-2 tsp Sesame Seeds
4-5 Curry Leaves
1-2 tbsp Grated Fresh Coconut I used frozen
Chopped Coriander for Garnish

Method

* Make a coarse paste of ginger and green chilies.

* In a bowl add both the flours, baking soda, salt red chilli powder,turmeric powder, salt, caraway seeds/ajwain, asafeotida/hing(if using). Mix all.

* Add ginger green chilli paste, grated bottle gourd/lauki, methi leaves, yogurt.

* Mix everything nicely with hands, Make a soft dough.

* If dough is sticky, apply some oil to hands and shape into logs/cylinders as shown, or into small bite sized dumplings, as preferred.

* Add some water to the steamer pot, arrange the logs on lightly oiled plates.

* Place on the steamer, cover and cook for about 10-12 mins.

* After, 10 mins, insert a toothpick to check, if it comes clean muthiya are cooked.

* Switch off the gas and take out on a dish or plate and let it cool completely.

* Cut in small 1" cubes/pieces.