Gujarati Muthia Steamed Dumplings with Fenugreek and Gram Flour

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Steamed savory dumplings made from gram flour and fresh fenugreek, spiced with ginger and green chili, then tempered with mustard seeds for a flavorful snack. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 55 minutes pairs gram flour (besan), ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup gram flour, 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh fenugreek leaves, 1 tbsp ginger-green chili paste, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and salt to taste. Mix well.
  2. Step 2: Slowly add about 1/3 cup water while mixing to form a soft, pliable dough similar in consistency to thick bread dough.
  3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 2 equal portions. Roll each portion into a cylindrical log about 1.5 inches thick.
  4. Step 4: Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Place the logs on a greased steaming plate or parchment paper and steam covered for 20-25 minutes until firm and cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from steamer and let cool for 5 minutes. Slice each log into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
  6. Step 6: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and a pinch of asafoetida; sauté until mustard seeds crackle.
  7. Step 7: Add the sliced muthia rounds and 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Toss gently and sauté for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until edges are lightly crisp and golden.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm as a snack or with green chutney for dipping.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Gujarati Muthia Steamed Dumplings with Fenugreek and Gram Flour take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Gujarati Muthia Steamed Dumplings with Fenugreek and Gram Flour?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep gram flour (besan) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gujarati Muthia Steamed Dumplings with Fenugreek and Gram Flour?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Gujarati Muthia Steamed Dumplings with Fenugreek and Gram Flour for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Gujarati Muthia Steamed Dumplings with Fenugreek and Gram Flour?

Indian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.