Fansi Muthia Nu Shaak – Green Beans with Gram Flour Dumplings
Fansi Muthia Nu Shaak is a beloved and aromatic Gujarati recipe, blending the fresh crunch of stir-fried green beans with the irresistible dumplings known as muthia, made from roasted gram flour. These muthias add a delightful texture to the dish, making it a unique and flavorful experience. This vegetarian dish is not only delicious but also captures the essence of Gujarati cuisine with its vibrant spices and aromatic ingredients. Whether you’re enjoying it as part of a festive meal or a simple weeknight dinner, Fansi Muthia Nu Shaak is sure to please.
Ingredients for Fansi Muthia Nu Shaak
For the Green Beans:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green Beans (French Beans) | 400 grams, cut into 1-inch pieces |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Amchur (Dry Mango Powder) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
For the Muthia (Gram Flour Dumplings):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1/2 cup |
| Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions for Fansi Muthia Nu Shaak
Step 1: Cook the Green Beans
- Pressure cook the green beans: Begin by adding the cut green beans into a pressure cooker. Add 1/4 cup of water and season with salt to taste. Close the lid and pressure cook for 2 whistles. After cooking, immediately release the pressure to preserve the beans’ vibrant green color.
- Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and set the beans aside.
Step 2: Make the Muthia (Gram Flour Dumplings)
- Prepare the dough for the muthia: In a small mixing bowl, combine the gram flour, kasuri methi, turmeric powder, sugar, asafoetida, enos fruit salt, lemon juice, cooking oil, and salt. Gradually add water to form a firm dough.
- Shape the dough: Divide the dough into small equal portions. Roll each portion into an oval shape and lightly press it down to form dumplings.
- Cook the muthia: Heat a paniyaram (or a small frying) pan over medium heat. Add a little oil to each cavity. Once the pan is hot, place the muthia in the cavities and pan-fry until golden and crisp on all sides. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Make the Fansi Muthia Nu Shaak
- Sauté the spices: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Add ajwain seeds and mustard seeds. Allow them to crackle and release their aroma.
- Add the cooked green beans: Once the seeds have crackled, add the cooked green beans to the pan and sauté for a minute.
- Season the dish: Add the coriander powder, red chili powder, amchur powder, turmeric powder, jaggery, and salt. Stir everything together.
- Combine with muthia: Gently add the pan-fried muthia into the pan with the green beans. Stir to mix the muthia with the spices and beans. Cover the pan and let everything steam cook for about two minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve the Fansi Muthia Nu Shaak: After cooking, transfer the Fansi Muthia Nu Shaak to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander if desired.
- Enjoy: This dish pairs wonderfully with Gujarati Kadhi, Phulka, and Steamed Rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy your authentic Gujarati lunch!
Tips and Variations:
- Muthia Variations: You can experiment with different herbs such as dill or cilantro for a slightly different flavor in the muthia.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili powder based on your preference for heat.
- Additional Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like carrots or peas along with the green beans to make the dish more vibrant and nutritious.
- Healthy Touch: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can bake the muthia instead of pan-frying them.
Fansi Muthia Nu Shaak is a dish that embodies the flavors of Gujarati cuisine—light, aromatic, and rich in spices. The combination of crisp green beans and soft gram flour dumplings offers a delightful contrast in textures, making this dish a true comfort food. Perfect for any day of the week, it’s sure to bring the warmth of Gujarati flavors to your table. Enjoy!
