Bhaat Na Rasawala Muthia Dhokla (Gujarati Rasiya Dhokla)
Bhaat Na Rasawala Muthia Dhokla, a beloved dish from Gujarat, offers a delightful combination of soft rice dumplings simmered in a spiced yogurt-based kadhi, creating an experience that is both comforting and aromatic. This dish is ideal for a weeknight meal, providing a wholesome and satisfying one-pot dish, bursting with the flavors of turmeric, cumin, ginger, and fresh curry leaves. Perfectly suited for those looking for a vegetarian, flavorful dish that brings together the hearty texture of muthia (steamed rice dumplings) and the smooth, tangy richness of kadhi (a yogurt-based curry).
This recipe is simple to prepare and ensures that you can enjoy a meal packed with taste and tradition in just about 40 minutes. Whether you are serving it to family or enjoying it as a solo dinner, this dish promises a burst of Gujarati flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Muthia (Rice Dumplings):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 1 1/2 cups |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1/2 cup |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Gram flour (besan) | 2 tablespoons |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
For the Kadhi (Yogurt Sauce):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 3 1/2 cups |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Green chilli (slit) | 1 |
| Ginger (finely chopped) | 1 inch |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1, torn |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 inch, broken |
For the Tadka (Seasoning):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 inch, broken |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig, torn |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Muthia
-
Mash the Rice: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice with gram flour (besan), red chilli powder, turmeric powder, salt, and the remaining gram flour. Using your hands, mash the mixture well until it forms a dough-like consistency. The rice should break down into a smooth mixture.
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Shape the Muthia: Once the mixture is well combined, grease your hands lightly with some oil or water. Shape the mixture into small ovals or cylindrical dumplings (known as muthias) and set them aside on a tray or plate.
Step 2: Prepare the Kadhi
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Mix Kadhi Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the yogurt (dahi), besan (gram flour), turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure that there are no lumps in the mixture.
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Add Water and Cook: Add 3 1/2 cups of water to the yogurt mixture and bring it to a brisk boil, stirring constantly. This step helps make the kadhi smooth and creamy.
-
Simmer: Once the kadhi has reached a boil and is smooth, reduce the heat to low. Add the finely chopped ginger, slit green chili, bay leaf, and broken cinnamon stick. Let it simmer gently for 5-6 minutes. The kadhi should thicken and develop a creamy texture during this time.
Step 3: Cook the Muthia in Kadhi
- Add the Muthia: Gently add the prepared muthia dumplings into the simmering kadhi. Let the dumplings cook in the kadhi for about 5 minutes. As they cook, they will float to the top, which is an indication that they are ready. After the muthias rise to the surface, continue to simmer the dish for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Prepare the Tadka
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Heat Ghee: In a small saucepan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once it is hot, add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
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Add Aromatics: Stir in the torn curry leaves and broken cinnamon stick. Allow these to sizzle for a few seconds, infusing the ghee with their flavors.
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Add the Tadka to Kadhi: Carefully pour the sizzling tadka over the simmering kadhi and muthia. Stir gently to combine everything, and let the kadhi come to a brisk boil once more. Turn off the heat once the dish is ready.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Bhaat Na Rasawala Muthia Dhokla hot, straight from the pot, as a fulfilling one-dish meal. It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or raita, and is perfect for any weeknight dinner when you’re craving a wholesome, flavorful meal.
Tips & Variations
- Muthia Texture: The texture of the muthia is crucial. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more yogurt or water. If itโs too wet, add a bit more besan.
- Kadhi Consistency: If you prefer a thicker kadhi, reduce the amount of water slightly. For a thinner consistency, add more water as needed.
- Tadka Options: Some people like to add mustard seeds to the tadka along with cumin for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: This dish is fully vegetarian, making it ideal for plant-based diets.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served as a complete meal on its own, especially for dinner. However, it can also be accompanied by steamed rice or roti for a more substantial meal. A fresh cucumber salad or a cooling mint raita would also pair well, helping to balance the heat and spice in the dish.
Conclusion
Bhaat Na Rasawala Muthia Dhokla is a perfect example of Gujarati comfort food at its best. With its unique blend of soft rice dumplings, spiced kadhi, and flavorful tadka, itโs a dish that will warm your heart and fill your stomach. Easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying, itโs the kind of dish that brings people together over good food, making it a must-try for anyone exploring Gujarati cuisine. Whether youโre cooking for a busy weekday or planning a family dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.
