Shev Gathiya Usal
A fiery and savory Maharashtrian curry where crunchy chickpea noodles are dunked into a spicy onion-tomato gravy. This quick and easy dish, ready in under 30 minutes, is perfect with hot bhakri or chapati.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tempering and Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat oil in a kadai or deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely.
- c.Add the cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sauté for about 30 seconds until the cumin seeds are fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and turn a light golden brown.
- e.Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Masala Base
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and goda masala. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to prevent the spices from burning.
- c.Immediately pour in the tomato puree. Add salt and the optional sugar. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- d.Increase the heat to medium and cook the masala for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the masala.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Simmer the Gravy
- b.Pour 2.5 cups of hot water into the pan. Stir well, scraping any masala stuck to the bottom of the pan.
- c.Bring the gravy to a vigorous boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together.
- d.After simmering, check the seasoning and adjust salt if necessary.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.The gravy is now ready. Keep it hot. Do not add the shev/gathiya to the pot.
- c.To serve, place a generous handful of Tikha Gathiya into an individual serving bowl.
- d.Ladle the hot, simmering gravy directly over the gathiya.
- e.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately with hot bhakri, chapati, or pav to enjoy the crunchy texture.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, use thick and spicy shev, often sold as 'Tikha Gathiya' or 'Bhavnagari Gathiya'.
- 2The cardinal rule of Shev Usal is to add the shev to the bowl just before serving. Adding it to the pot will make it soggy.
- 3Goda masala gives an authentic Maharashtrian taste, but garam masala is a perfectly good substitute.
- 4Adjust the water quantity to achieve your desired gravy consistency – less for a thicker gravy, more for a thinner one.
- 5A pinch of sugar or jaggery is highly recommended to balance the tanginess of the tomatoes and the heat from the spices.
- 6For a richer, creamier gravy, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of roasted peanut powder or cashew paste along with the tomato puree.
Adapt it for your goals.
Jain Version
To make a Jain-friendly version, omit the onions and ginger-garlic paste. You can add a pinch more asafoetida and use mashed boiled raw banana to thicken the gravy.
With SproutsWith Sprouts
For a more nutritious version, add 1 cup of boiled moth beans (matki) or mixed sprouts to the gravy while it simmers.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
Incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of fresh cream or coconut milk at the end of the simmering process for a richer, milder curry.
Khandeshi StyleKhandeshi Style
For a Khandeshi twist, use Kala Masala instead of Goda Masala and add a paste of dry coconut (kopra) and onion while making the gravy.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Aids Digestion
The spices used in the gravy, such as cumin, asafoetida, and ginger, are well-known for their digestive properties. They can help stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce bloating.
Rich in Antioxidants
Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, while turmeric contains curcumin. Both are powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Source of Plant-Based Protein
The shev or gathiya is made from besan (chickpea flour), which provides a good amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function.
Frequently asked questions
Shev Gathiya Usal is a flavorful dish but is moderately healthy. The gravy contains beneficial spices and vegetables. However, the shev/gathiya is deep-fried, which adds significant calories and fat. To make it healthier, enjoy it in moderation and pair it with whole-wheat bhakri or roti.