Valor Muthia Nu Shaak – Flat Beans Stir Fry With Dumplings
Delightful Gujarati Dish with Spices and Dumplings
The Valor Muthia Nu Shaak is a classic Gujarati recipe made with flat green beans, brinjal (eggplant), and aromatic spices, topped off with homemade fenugreek dumplings (muthia). It is a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures, offering a hearty, comforting meal. This dish is typically enjoyed with Gujarati Kadhi and Ragi Phulkas for a traditional lunch. If you can’t find Valor beans (a particular type of flat beans used in Gujarat), feel free to substitute them with any available variety of flat beans. This recipe is an excellent choice for those seeking a vegetarian, nutritious, and delicious meal.
Cuisine: Gujarati
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For Valor Muthia Nu Shaak (Flat Beans Stir Fry)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flat Green Beans | 300 grams, cut into 1/2 inch pieces |
| Small Brinjal (Baingan / Eggplant) | 4, sliced into wedges |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai / Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger | 1 inch, grated |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Tomatoes | 2, finely chopped |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For Methi Muthia (Fenugreek Dumplings)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Methi Leaves (Fenugreek leaves) | 50 grams, finely chopped |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 1/4 cup |
| Whole wheat flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Jaggery | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Enos Fruit Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Methi Muthia (Fenugreek Dumplings)
- In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped methi leaves, gram flour, whole wheat flour, turmeric powder, jaggery, asafoetida, enos fruit salt, lemon juice, and salt to taste.
- Add a very small amount of water at a time, mixing as you go, to form a firm dough. The dough should be thick but pliable.
- Divide the dough into 15 small portions and shape each portion into an oval shape. Gently press each dumpling down slightly to form a slightly flattened oval.
- You can choose to steam the muthia by placing them in a steamer on high heat for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can pan-fry the muthia in a paniyaram pan. To do so, heat a little oil in the cavities of the paniyaram pan over medium heat. Place the muthia in the pan and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and lightly crisp on all sides.
- Once done, remove the muthia from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Valor Muthia Nu Shaak
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the ajwain seeds, mustard seeds, and asafoetida. Allow the seeds to crackle for a few seconds.
- Add the grated ginger and finely chopped garlic. Sauté for a minute or until fragrant.
- Stir in the finely chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, jaggery, and salt. Cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the spices to infuse.
- Add the sliced brinjal, cut flat beans, and about 1/4 cup of water. Stir to combine.
- Close the pressure cooker with the lid and place the weight on. Cook for 2-3 whistles. Once done, remove the cooker from heat.
- To release the pressure, place the cooker under cold running water or carefully lift the weight with a fork. This method stops the cooking process and helps retain the vibrant colors of the vegetables.
- Open the cooker and check the consistency of the curry, which should be semi-gravy. Adjust the salt and spices to taste.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
- Add the prepared methi muthia into the cooked flat beans and brinjal mixture in the pressure cooker.
- Turn the heat back on and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the muthia to absorb the flavorful juices of the curry.
- Once done, turn off the heat and transfer the dish to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for added flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Valor Muthia Nu Shaak with steaming hot Gujarati Kadhi and Ragi Phulkas for an authentic and wholesome meal. The dumplings soak up the rich spices and bring a satisfying crunch and flavor to the dish, complementing the soft vegetables beautifully.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Value (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Sugars | 5 g |
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a spicier version of this dish, feel free to increase the quantity of red chili powder or add some finely chopped green chilies while sautéing the ginger and garlic.
- The fenugreek leaves (methi) can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste, but they balance beautifully with the sweet jaggery and spices in the dish.
- For an even more fragrant dish, add a pinch of garam masala at the end of cooking to enhance the flavors.
Enjoy this delightful, flavorful, and wholesome Gujarati delicacy at home! Valor Muthia Nu Shaak is a versatile dish that brings the warmth and richness of traditional Gujarati cuisine right to your plate.
