Gajar Vadi Recipe – Maharashtrian Style Steamed Carrot Dumplings
Introduction
The Gajar Vadi, a beloved delicacy from Maharashtra, beautifully blends the sweetness of carrots with the earthy flavors of gram flour and spices, resulting in a delightful steamed dumpling. This vibrant dish is not only a nutritious side but also makes for a fantastic snack when paired with a refreshing chutney and a steaming cup of masala chai.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Carrot (Gajjar) – grated | 2 cups |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1½ cups |
| Whole wheat flour | ½ cup |
| Red chili powder | 1 teaspoon (or to taste) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 2 tablespoons |
| Sunflower oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Sunflower oil (for tempering) | 2 teaspoons |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 2 teaspoons |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | ½ teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Green chili – finely chopped | 1 |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 250 mg |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 |
| Cooking | 20 |
| Total Time | 35 |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Dumpling Mixture:
Begin by washing, peeling, and grating the fresh carrots into a mixing bowl. To this bowl, add the gram flour, whole wheat flour, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and cumin powder. Combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly. -
-
Make the Dough:
Gradually knead the mixture into a firm, smooth dough by adding a little water at a time. Ensure the dough is not too sticky but retains a soft consistency. If necessary, sprinkle a little water on the dough to make it manageable. -
Shape the Vadi:
Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into cylindrical shapes about 6 inches long and 1 inch thick. Ensure that the rolls are tight enough to prevent them from splitting during cooking. -
Steam the Rolls:
In a large saucepan, bring enough water to a boil. Carefully drop the prepared rolls into the boiling water, allowing them to cook for about 15 to 20 minutes on high heat. This process will ensure that the Gajar Vadi is thoroughly cooked and retains its structure. -
Cool and Slice:
Once cooked, remove the rolls from the water and let them rest for a few minutes. Allow them to cool completely before slicing the rolls into even-sized pieces or bite-sized dumplings. -
Tempering:
For the final touch, heat 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil in a pan over medium flame. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds, allowing them to crackle. Then, introduce the asafoetida, curry leaves, finely chopped green chili, and sesame seeds, stirring well for about 30 seconds until aromatic. -
Combine and Serve:
Gently toss the cooked Gajar Vadi in the tempering mixture, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Stir-fry for about a minute to incorporate the flavors. -
Serving Suggestion:
Serve the Gajar Vadi hot with a side of Dhaniya Pudina Chutney and a steaming cup of Masala Chai, creating a delightful and healthy evening snack experience.
Conclusion
The Gajar Vadi embodies the essence of Maharashtrian cuisine, offering a wonderful way to enjoy carrots in a unique and flavorful form. With its vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and a delightful mix of spices, this dish is sure to be a hit whether served as a side or a snack. Enjoy your culinary journey with these steamed carrot dumplings, and feel free to experiment with spices to make them your own!
