Gujarati Vegetable Khichu with Cumin and Green Chili

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

A traditional steamed snack made from rice flour dough flavored with cumin seeds and green chili, served with a drizzle of oil and chili powder. This indian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs rice flour, water, oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 190 calories and feeds 3, 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: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 3 Indian cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp finely grated ginger, and 1 tsp salt. Stir to combine and let it boil for 1 minute.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low and gradually add 1 cup rice flour to the boiling water, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon to prevent lumps.
  3. Step 3: Cook this mixture over low heat for 3-4 minutes until it thickens into a dough-like consistency and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 1 tbsp sesame seeds and 1 finely chopped green chili, mixing well.
  5. Step 5: Lightly grease a plate or thali with 1 tbsp oil. Transfer the dough onto the plate and flatten it evenly.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp oil over the top and sprinkle 1/2 tsp red chili powder evenly.
  7. Step 7: Cover and steam this for 10-12 minutes in a steamer or pressure cooker without the weight.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm as a snack or light meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Gujarati Vegetable Khichu with Cumin and Green Chili take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Vegetable Khichu with Cumin and Green Chili?

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 rice flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Gujarati Vegetable Khichu with Cumin and Green Chili?

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 Vegetable Khichu with Cumin and Green Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Vegetable Khichu with Cumin and Green Chili?

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.

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