Gujarati Mooli Bajra Muthia Recipe (Steamed Radish and Bajra-Besan Dumplings)
This traditional Gujarati Mooli Bajra Muthia Recipe combines the natural freshness of radish (mooli) and the earthy flavors of bajra flour (pearl millet), creating delightful dumplings that are steamed and then tempered with a fragrant tadka. These muthiyas are flavorful and light, offering a unique combination of spices, textures, and healthy ingredients that are perfect for a snack or tea-time treat. What makes this recipe even better is that it can be prepared ahead of time, stored, and then warmed up whenever you need a quick, satisfying snack.
Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Muthia Dough:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mooli (Radish), peeled and grated | 2 medium-sized radishes |
| Mooli Ke Patte (Radish Greens), chopped | A handful |
| Bajra Flour (Pearl Millet) | 3/4 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 1/4 cup |
| Ajwain (Carom Seeds) | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli Paste | 2-3 teaspoons (or use red chilli powder) |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, chopped | A handful |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Lemon Juice | 2 teaspoons |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Tadka:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) | 2 teaspoons |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame Seeds (Til) | 2 teaspoons |
| Curry Leaves | 10 leaves (optional) |
Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Muthia Dough:
- Start by preparing the dough for the muthias. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated radish (mooli), chopped radish greens (mooli ke patte), bajra flour, whole wheat flour, and gram flour (besan).
- Add the ajwain (carom seeds), coriander powder, cumin powder, asafoetida (hing), turmeric powder, green chili paste, and ginger garlic paste. Toss everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Stir in the chopped coriander leaves, oil, lemon juice, sugar, and salt to taste.
- Gradually add water little by little, mixing gently, until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to knead the dough too much. The dough should be stiff and firm, not sticky.
- Once the dough is mixed, divide it into sections and roll it into logs (approximately 1 to 1.5 inches thick). You should be able to form about 2-3 logs depending on the size you prefer.
-
Steam the Muthia:
- Prepare a steamer by placing water in the base and preheating it on medium heat. Grease the steaming plate with a little oil to prevent the muthias from sticking.
- Place the dough logs on the steaming plate and steam them for 15-20 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a knife or skewer into the log. It should come out clean when the muthias are fully cooked.
- Once done, remove the logs from the steamer and allow them to cool slightly.
-
Slice and Temper the Muthia:
- After the muthia logs have cooled down a bit, slice them into 1-inch thick pieces.
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add cumin seeds (jeera) and let them sizzle. Then, add fennel seeds (saunf) and sesame seeds (til). Stir briefly to release their aroma.
- Add the sliced muthias to the pan and fry them gently, turning them over until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. This step will add a lovely crunch to the steamed dumplings.
-
Serve:
- Once the muthias are golden and crisp, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Serve these Gujarati Mooli Bajra Muthias hot and fresh, either on their own or with a chutney of your choice. They pair wonderfully with Dhaniya Pudina Chutney (green chutney) or Lahsun ki Chutney (garlic chutney), making them a perfect snack for any occasion.
Tips for Success:
- If you like your muthias a bit spicier, feel free to increase the amount of green chili paste or use red chili powder for a milder flavor.
- You can also add a pinch of garam masala or chat masala to enhance the flavor further.
- For a more nutritious version, feel free to substitute some of the whole wheat flour with other flours like millet or oats flour.
- The muthias can be made ahead of time and steamed, then stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat them before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.
Enjoy making and eating this delicious Gujarati Mooli Bajra Muthia – a perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and texture that is sure to impress everyone at your table. Whether you serve them for a cozy afternoon snack or as an appetizer for a festive gathering, these steamed dumplings with a crunchy tempering will surely be a hit.
