Dudhi Muthia
Savory steamed and pan-fried dumplings from Gujarat, made with grated bottle gourd and a blend of flours. A perfect tea-time snack that's both healthy and delicious, finished with a crackling tempering of mustard and sesame seeds.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Muthia Dough
- b.In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated bottle gourd, atta, besan, and rava.
- c.Add the ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, 1/4 tsp asafoetida, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil.
- d.Mix all ingredients thoroughly with your hands. Do not add any water, as the moisture from the bottle gourd is sufficient to form a dough. Knead into a firm, non-sticky dough.
- e.Let the dough rest for 5 minutes while you prepare the steamer.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shape and Steam the Muthia
- b.Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Grease the steamer plate with a little oil.
- c.Just before steaming, add the baking soda to the dough and mix gently but quickly. This activates it for a fluffy texture.
- d.Grease your palms with oil. Divide the dough into 3-4 equal portions and roll each into a cylindrical log, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- e.Place the logs on the greased steamer plate, leaving space between them for even cooking.
- f.Steam on medium-high heat for 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a log; it should come out clean.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cool and Slice
- b.Once steamed, carefully remove the logs from the steamer and place them on a plate or cutting board.
- c.Allow the logs to cool down completely to room temperature, which takes about 20-30 minutes. This step is crucial to prevent them from crumbling when sliced.
- d.Once fully cooled, use a sharp knife to cut the logs into ½-inch thick round slices.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Temper and Sauté
- b.Heat the remaining 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. Then, add the sesame seeds, curry leaves, and the remaining 1/4 tsp of asafoetida. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Carefully add the sliced muthia to the pan. Toss gently to coat them evenly with the tempering spices.
- e.Sauté for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the slices turn light golden brown and develop a slightly crisp exterior.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and optional grated fresh coconut.
- c.Serve the Dudhi Muthia hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or a cup of masala chai.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Do not add water to the dough. The moisture from the grated bottle gourd is usually enough. If your gourd is dry, add water 1 tsp at a time.
- 2Ensure the steamed logs are completely cool before slicing to prevent them from breaking apart.
- 3Add baking soda just before you are ready to steam the muthia for the best fluffy texture.
- 4For a healthier version, you can enjoy the muthia right after steaming, skipping the final tempering and sautéing step.
- 5You can prepare the steamed logs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. Temper and sauté just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Variation
Replace bottle gourd with grated cabbage, carrots, or finely chopped fenugreek leaves (methi) for a different flavor profile. Adjust moisture as needed.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
To make it gluten-free, substitute atta and rava with a combination of jowar (sorghum) flour and bajra (pearl millet) flour. The texture will be slightly denser but equally delicious.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chili paste and add 1/4 tsp of garam masala to the dough for an extra kick of flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Made with bottle gourd and whole grain flours, this dish is an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Good Source of Complex Carbohydrates
The use of atta (whole wheat flour) and besan (gram flour) provides sustained energy release, making it a wholesome and filling snack compared to those made with refined flour.
Hydrating and Low in Calories
Bottle gourd consists of over 90% water and is very low in calories. Steaming as the primary cooking method keeps the overall calorie count in check, making it a great option for weight management.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Dudhi Muthia (approximately 6 pieces) contains around 340-380 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the amount of oil used and serving size.