Gayathri's Cook Spot: Gujarathi Gathiya

For this month's Indian Cooking Challenge, Srivalli got the recipe for Gujarathi snack Gathiya from Vaishali who got it from her friend. Gathiya is a savoury snack which is almost like the south Indian kara sev. The only difference is it is mildly spiced whereas kara sev is extremely spicy. I made this two days back. Sruti is not a great fan of savoury snacks but hubby dear loved it. We are having a nice time during coffee. They pair up perfectly. The addition of baking soda to the dough is very quite interesting. We need to roast baking soda until brown and then add it to the flour. This makes sure that the gathiyas melt in the mouth. The addition of ajwain/ omam gives it a nice flavour.

I added sesame seeds and pepper powder for the extra flavour. Gathiya needs a special press with large holes. I used my murukku press with the largest hole to make these crunchy gathiyas. You need to press a large disc into hot oil and once it is fried, you need to break it into tiny pieces which is the same for kara sev preparation also. So if you want some mild snack, you can make these gathiyas and enjoy.

Besan/ Kadalai Maavu-500 gm

1. In a pan dry roast baking soda until it is brown in colour.

2. In a bowl take the besan and add salt, browned baking soda, ajwain, pepper powder and sesame seeds.

3. Add oil and mix until the flour is crumbly.

4. Add enough water to make a soft dough.

5. Heat oil in a pan.

6. Load the murukku press with the dough and press out spirals into hot oil.

7. Fry until golden. Remove from oil and keep on a plate.

8. When cool, break it into small pieces and transfer to an airtight jar.

9. Finish making all the gathiyas.

10. Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or tea...

Dry roast baking soda.

Mix flour, soda, salt, sesame, ajwain and pepper powder.

Add water to make a soft dough.

Load a murukku press with a plate with large holes.

Press out spirals into the hot oil.

Drain oil and transfer to a plate.

Once cool break them into small pieces.

Those who can read Tamil, please check out my guest post at Samaithu Asathalam by Asiya Omar. I have made a swiss roll with eggs. If you are interested in making it, click on the link for the recipe and a short introduction about me.