Gatte Ki Sabji is a popular and authentic dish from Rajasthan, India. Known for its unique and delightful flavors, this vegetarian curry is made with gram flour (besan) dumplings cooked in a spicy, tangy gravy. It’s a perfect combination of texture and taste and is often paired with roti, paratha, or rice. Whether you’re a fan of regional Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds.
Ingredients:
For Gatte (Besan Dumplings):
- Gram flour (Besan) – 1 cup
- Caraway seeds (Ajwain) – 1/2 teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 1/2 teaspoon
- Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Oil – 1 tablespoon (for kneading)
- Water – as needed (to knead the dough)
- Coriander leaves (for garnish) – a few sprigs
For the Gravy:
- Onion (finely chopped) – 1 medium
- Tomato (pureed) – 1 large
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Green chili (finely chopped) – 1
- Cumin seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder – 1/4 teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Garam masala – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – to taste
- Fresh cream or yogurt – 2 tablespoons (optional, for creaminess)
- Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish) – a few sprigs
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Gatte (Gram Flour Dumplings):
- In a mixing bowl, add gram flour (besan), ajwain, cumin seeds, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add oil and mix again, then gradually add water to form a smooth and firm dough. The dough should not be too soft or sticky.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll them into cylindrical shapes (about 4-5 inches long).
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add some salt. Gently drop the rolled gatte into the boiling water.
- Cook the gatte for 7-8 minutes until they rise to the top. Once cooked, remove them and set aside to cool.
- Once cooled, cut the gatte into small pieces or slices (about 1-inch thick).
2. Prepare the Gravy:
- Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- Now add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy. Stir and bring it to a boil.
- Once the gravy is boiling, add the prepared gatte pieces to the gravy. Let them simmer in the gravy for 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Add garam masala and cook for another minute. If you want a creamy texture, you can stir in fresh cream or yogurt at this stage.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
3. Serve:
- Serve your Gatte Ki Sabji hot with roti, naan, or steamed rice. You can also pair it with jeera rice for a more elaborate meal.
Tips:
- Make sure the gatte dough is not too soft to prevent them from breaking while boiling.
- You can adjust the spices according to your preference. For a tangy flavor, add a bit of amchur (dry mango powder) or a splash of lemon juice to the gravy.
- If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of green chilies or red chili powder.
Conclusion:
Gatte Ki Sabji is a delightful, spicy, and savory dish that brings out the authentic flavors of Rajasthan. The gram flour dumplings absorb the rich, aromatic gravy, making every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a simple family meal, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the experience of cooking and tasting this traditional Indian dish!
