Undhiyu

A traditional Gujarati mixed vegetable dish

Undhiyu

A traditional serving of Undhiyu

Undhiyu is a traditional Gujarati mixed vegetable dish that is especially popular in the state of Gujarat, India. It is a seasonal dish, typically prepared during the winter months when the vegetables used in the dish are readily available. The name "Undhiyu" is derived from the Gujarati word "undhu," meaning "upside down," which refers to the traditional method of cooking the dish upside down underground in earthen pots.

Ingredients

Undhiyu is a complex dish that includes a variety of vegetables and spices. The main ingredients typically include:

• Surti papdi (flat beans)
• Purple yam
• Potato
• Sweet potato
• Eggplant
• Raw banana
• Methi (fenugreek) leaves
• Coconut
• Coriander
• Green chili
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Mustard seeds
• Asafoetida
• Sesame seeds
• Peanut
• Jaggery
• Lemon juice
• Oil

Preparation

The preparation of Undhiyu is labor-intensive and involves several steps:

Vegetable Preparation

The vegetables are cleaned, peeled, and cut into large chunks. The Surti papdi is shelled, and the seeds are used along with the pods.

Masala Preparation

A spicy masala is prepared using freshly grated coconut, coriander, green chili, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds. This masala is stuffed into the vegetables, particularly the eggplant and potato.

Cooking

Traditionally, Undhiyu is cooked in an earthen pot, which is placed upside down in a pit and covered with hot coals. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together. In modern kitchens, it is often cooked in a pressure cooker or a large pot on the stove.

Serving

Undhiyu is typically served hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice. It is often accompanied by puris or rotis and sometimes served with shrikhanda or jalebi as a sweet complement.

Cultural Significance

Undhiyu is a dish that is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Gujarat. It is often prepared during the festival of Uttarayan, also known as the Kite Festival, which marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. The dish is a symbol of the abundance of winter vegetables and is a celebration of the harvest season.

Related pages

• Gujarati cuisine
• Uttarayan
• Vegetarian cuisine