Gujarati Dishes
Gujarati Thali
A Gujarati thali typically comprises of one or two steamed or fried snacks called farsans, a green vegetable, a tuber or a gourd shaak (shaaks are main courses with vegetables and spices mixed together into a curry or a spicy dry dish), a kathol (braised pulses like beans, chickpea or dry peas), one or more yogurt dishes like dahi, kadhi (yogurt and pulses soup), raita or sweet shrikhand, rice or khichdi, daal usually toor dal, and sweets like halwas, basundi or shrikhand. Accompaniments include sweet, sour and spicy chutneys, pickles, ghee and a salad of chopped vegetables served raw or may be steamed in spices.
Thepla
Thepla is often multigrain, usually made with whole wheat flour with the addition of chickpea and millet flour. When made for travel, the flour for theplas is bound into a stiff dough using milk instead of water, and with extra ghee/oil. This is done in order to increase their shelf life. This soft flatbread is part of the main meal, but is often consumed as breakfast or a snack with a hot beverage. Typically made with wheat flour, gram flour, fenugreek leaves, and other spices, the flatbread is liberally dotted with sesame seeds.
Dal Dhokli
Dal dhokli is a comforting and flavorful dish from Gujarat, India. It consists of spiced lentil soup (dal) combined with flat, savory wheat flour noodles (dhokli) that are cooked right in the dal. The dish is typically seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and jaggery, giving it a unique balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors. Often garnished with fresh coriander and served with a squeeze of lemon, dal dhokli is a wholesome meal that captures the essence of Gujarati cuisine, making it a popular choice for family meals and special occasions.
Locho
Locho is a delicious street food from Surat, Gujarat, made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram). This soft, steamed snack is flavored with spices like turmeric and green chilies, giving it a rich taste. After cooking, it’s typically garnished with oil, chopped onions, and fresh coriander, and sometimes served with green chutney or a spicy sauce. Known for its unique texture and savory flavor, locho is a beloved choice for breakfast or as a quick snack, capturing the essence of Gujarati cuisine.
Sev Tameta Nu Shaak
Sev Tameta Nu Shaak is a flavorful and tangy Gujarati curry made with ripe tomatoes and crispy sev. This dish features a base of sautéed tomatoes cooked with spices like cumin, turmeric, and red chili powder, creating a rich, saucy mixture. The sev is added towards the end, providing a delightful crunch that contrasts with the softness of the tomatoes. Often garnished with fresh coriander, Sev Tameta Nu Shaak is typically served with roti or puri, making it a comforting and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Gujarati cuisine.
Khichdi
Kadhi Khichdi is a comforting and wholesome dish from Gujarat, India, that combines spiced yogurt-based kadhi with khichdi, a one-pot rice and lentil dish. The kadhi is made by mixing yogurt with chickpea flour (besan) and spices like turmeric, cumin, and ginger, creating a creamy and tangy sauce. The khichdi is prepared using rice and moong dal, cooked together with mild spices for a soft texture. When served together, the kadhi enhances the flavors of the khichdi, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal.