Undhiyu is a traditional Gujarati one-pot vegetable curry that is bursting with the flavors of winter vegetables and warm spices. This hearty and wholesome dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings. The name Undhiyu comes from the Gujarati word ‘undhu,’ which means upside down, as the dish is traditionally cooked underground in earthen pots. While we may not cook it underground, you can still recreate the authentic flavors of Undhiyu right in your own cozy kitchen. Follow this recipe to bring a taste of Gujarati cuisine into your home.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed and halved
– 1 cup fresh pigeon peas (tuvar dana)
– 1 cup fresh valor papdi (flat beans), chopped
– 1 cup fresh purple yam (kand), peeled and cubed
– 1 cup sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup baby eggplants, slit into quarters
– 1 cup raw bananas, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup small brinjals (baby eggplants), slit into quarters
– 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves
– 1 tbsp crushed ginger
– 1 tbsp crushed garlic
– 1 tbsp jaggery (or brown sugar)
– 2 tbsp tamarind paste
– 2 tbsp groundnut oil
– 1/2 tsp asafoetida (hing)
– 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
– 1 tsp red chili powder
– 1 tsp garam masala
– Salt to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the chopped vegetables, grated coconut, coriander leaves, crushed ginger, and garlic.
2. Add the jaggery, tamarind paste, asafoetida, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala to the bowl. Mix well until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.
3. Heat the groundnut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the vegetable mixture and stir to coat the vegetables in the oil.
4. Cover the pan with a lid and let the Undhiyu cook on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
5. Once the vegetables are cooked, adjust the seasoning with salt and additional spices if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
6. Serve the hot and flavorful Undhiyu with steamed rice or Gujarati roti for a complete and satisfying meal that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Gujarat.
Undhiyu is not just a dish, it is a celebration of flavors, textures, and the vibrant spirit of Gujarati cuisine. Whether you are recreating a family recipe or trying this dish for the first time, the process of preparing Undhiyu is an experience in itself. The interplay of seasonal vegetables, aromatic spices, and the heartwarming feeling of sharing a meal with loved ones make Undhiyu a true culinary delight. Enjoy the process of cooking this traditional Gujarati dish and savor every bite of its rich and comforting flavors.
