Muthia facts for kids
![]() |
|
Place of origin | India |
---|---|
Region or state | Gujarat, Chhattisgarh |
Main ingredients | Gram flour, methi, turmeric, chili powder |
Other information | 06292610 |
Muthia or Muthiya is a yummy and healthy dish from Gujarat, India. Its name comes from the way it's made: 'muthi' means 'fist' in some Indian languages, and you use your hand to grip and shape the dough. It's a popular vegetarian snack or side dish.
What is Muthia?
Muthia is a traditional food from the state of Gujarat in India. It's known for being both tasty and good for you. People often enjoy it as a snack, for breakfast, or as a side dish with their main meals.
How is Muthia Made?
Muthia is usually made from a dough that includes chickpea flour, fresh methi leaves, salt, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Sometimes, a little sugar or oil is added to help the dough stick together.
After mixing the ingredients, the dough is shaped into small rolls or dumplings using your hands. These rolls are then usually cooked by steaming them. Steaming makes them soft and light.
Some people like to enjoy Muthia steamed, just as it is. Others prefer to fry the steamed Muthia until it's crispy and golden brown. This gives it a different texture and taste.
Different Kinds of Muthia
There are many exciting ways to make Muthia! In Gujarat, it's also known by names like Velaniya or Vaataa. In the Charotar area of Central Gujarat, it's called 'vaataa'.
Instead of chickpea flour, some recipes use a coarser kind of wheat flour. You can also add different leafy vegetables to the dough. Popular choices include amaranth, spinach, or a leafy green called Luni.
Other fun variations use grated bottle gourd or even the peel of bitter gourd (which is called karela). These vegetables add unique flavors and nutrients to the dish.
After the Muthia is steamed, it's often given a special finishing touch called 'tempering'. This means heating a little oil with sesame seeds and mustard seeds until they crackle. This flavorful oil is then poured over the Muthia, adding a wonderful aroma and taste.