Gujarati Sweet Farsan Muthia with Sesame Seeds
Steamed and pan-fried spiced dumplings made from chickpea flour and fenugreek leaves, finished with a crunchy sesame seed tempering. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 50 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 220 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.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups gram flour (besan)
- 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh fenugreek leaves (methi)
- 1 tsp ginger-green chili paste
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp plus 2 tbsp for tempering oil
- about 1/3 cup water
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- a pinch asafoetida
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups gram flour, 3/4 cup finely chopped fresh fenugreek leaves, 1 tsp ginger-green chili paste, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp sugar.
- Step 2: Add 2 tbsp oil and gradually mix in about 1/3 cup water to form a firm but pliable dough.
- Step 3: Divide the dough into 3 equal portions and shape each into a cylindrical log about 1.5 inches thick.
- Step 4: Steam the logs in a steamer or over boiling water for 20 minutes until firm and cooked through.
- Step 5: Allow the steamed logs to cool slightly, then slice into 1/2-inch thick rounds.
- Step 6: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced pieces and shallow fry until golden and crisp on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 7: In a small pan, heat 2 tbsp oil over medium heat. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tbsp sesame seeds, and a pinch of asafoetida. Cook until seeds pop and the mixture is aromatic, about 1 minute.
- Step 8: Pour this tempering over the fried muthia, sprinkle 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves, and toss gently to coat before serving warm or at room temperature.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gujarati Sweet Farsan Muthia with Sesame Seeds take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Sweet Farsan Muthia with Sesame Seeds?
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 Sweet Farsan Muthia with Sesame Seeds?
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 Sweet Farsan Muthia with Sesame Seeds 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 Sweet Farsan Muthia with Sesame Seeds?
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.