Turia Muthia Nu Shaak – Gujarati Style Turai Sabzi
Turia Muthia Nu Shaak is a delightful and authentic Gujarati dish made with ridge gourd (known as turia or turai) and flavored with fenugreek leaf dumplings called muthia. The earthy, slightly bitter taste of the ridge gourd beautifully complements the savory, aromatic dumplings made of gram flour and methi leaves. This dish is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, with the muthia enriching the gravy, while the turai adds its fiber and nutritional value. Whether served with chapati or rice, this dish is an absolute treat for the taste buds. If you don’t have ridge gourd, you can substitute it with mixed vegetables or French beans for a variation.
Ingredients:
For the Muthias (Fenugreek Dumplings):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Methi Leaves (Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/2 cup |
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 3/4 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli (chopped) | 1 |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Main Dish (Turia Sabzi):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ridge Gourd (Turai/Peerkangai) | 3, cut into cubes |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Green Chilli (sliced) | 1 |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Muthias (Fenugreek Dumplings)
- In a mixing bowl, add the methi leaves and gram flour.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric powder, chopped green chili, sugar, lemon juice, and salt.
- Mix all the ingredients well, then add the Enos fruit salt and oil to the mixture.
- Gradually add water as needed to make a smooth dough that is firm but not too stiff.
- Divide the dough into small portions and shape each portion into a long, thick roll.
- Heat a steamer with water in it and place the muthias inside the steamer.
- Steam the muthias for about 15–20 minutes, or until they are firm and cooked through.
- Once done, remove them from the steamer and let them cool slightly before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Main Dish
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida, allowing them to splutter and release their aroma.
- Add the chopped ginger and green chili to the pan, stirring for a minute until they are fragrant.
- Next, add the finely chopped tomatoes and sauté them until they soften and turn pulpy.
- Stir in the turmeric powder and salt, cooking the mixture for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Add the ridge gourd cubes to the pan, mixing them with the spices. Let the vegetables cook for 5–7 minutes, occasionally stirring.
- Once the ridge gourd is tender, add the steamed muthia pieces to the pan.
- Add jaggery and stir gently to combine the muthia with the vegetables, allowing it to absorb the flavors.
- Cover the pan and let it simmer for 10 minutes, so the gravy thickens and the muthia softens.
- Check the seasoning and adjust salt or sweetness as per your preference.
- Garnish with fresh coriander (optional) and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your delicious Turia Muthia Nu Shaak with hot chapatis, steamed rice, or even a side of curd for a wholesome meal. The dish is also wonderful as a light snack with a tangy chutney.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 4g
Tips:
- Muthia Variation: You can add chopped spinach, coriander, or even grated carrots to the muthia dough for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies based on your spice preference.
- Substitute Vegetables: If ridge gourd is not available, you can substitute it with French beans, bottle gourd, or mixed vegetables.
- Sweetness Balance: If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of jaggery or sugar.
Enjoy the delicious, nutritious goodness of Turia Muthia Nu Shaak, a Gujarati favorite that brings together the best of vegetables and spices!
