Undhiyu is Gujarat’s winter pride; a celebration of seasonal vegetables, fragrant masalas, and age-old cooking traditions. Every home has its own undhiyu recipe, but the essence remains the same: hearty, wholesome, and irresistibly flavourful. Interestingly, Undhiyu is associated with Uttarayan when households prepare massive batches. If you’ve ever wondered how to make undhiyu that tastes authentic yet fits into a modern kitchen, this guide brings you a perfect Gujarati Undhiyu recipe with easy steps and smart appliance support.
What Makes Undhiyu So Special?
Before diving into the undhiyu recipe Gujarati style, it helps to know its charm. Undhiyu is traditionally cooked undhu (upside down) in clay pots buried underground. Today, appliances like Wipro microwave ovens, mixer grinders, and air fryers bring that slow-cooked richness into everyday kitchens without the effort.
Ingredients
To create an authentic Gujarati Undhiyu, the right mix of fresh winter vegetables and aromatic spices is essential. These ingredients not only define the dish’s traditional flavour but also bring out its signature richness and warmth. Gather these fresh, winter-perfect ingredients:
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Surti papdi (with seeds)
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Baby potatoes
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Purple yam (ratalu)
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Raw banana
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Sweet potato
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Methi (fenugreek) muthiyas
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Coconut
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Coriander
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Green garlic
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Sesame seeds
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Green chilli
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Lemon
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Jaggery
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Groundnut
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Spices: turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, salt
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Oil (or minimal oil if using an air fryer)
These veggies make up the signature medley of every Gujarati undhiyu recipe.
How to Make Undhiyu - Step-by-Step

Making Undhiyu may look elaborate, but breaking it down into simple steps makes the process effortless and enjoyable. Follow this easy, structured guide to recreate the traditional Gujarati flavours in your own kitchen.
Prepare the Masala Mixture
Use a Wipro mixer and grinder to blend fresh coconut, coriander, sesame seeds, green chillies, green garlic, cumin, lemon juice, and jaggery. This smooth, aromatic paste forms the heart of the recipe. Stuff some of this mixture into baby potatoes, raw bananas, and purple yam cubes.
Cook the Vegetables Slowly
Heat oil in a deep pot. Add surti papdi, stuffed vegetables, sweet potato, and leftover masala. Mix gently to avoid breaking the stuffed veggies. Cover and cook on low heat for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you prefer a zero-fuss method, you can pre-steam the vegetables using a Wipro electric cooker for even, time-saving prep.
Add Methi Muthiyas
Fry or air-fry methi muthiyas until golden. Air frying with a Wipro air fryer gives crispness using far less oil. Add the muthiyas to the pot towards the end to absorb flavour without turning mushy, ensuring they retain their texture while soaking up the rich masala.
Slow Simmer for Authentic Gujarati Taste
Let everything simmer gently. Undhiyu tastes best when the spices bind beautifully with the vegetables. This slow cooking allows the stuffed veggies, papdi, and muthiyas to release their natural sweetness and blend into a harmonious, earthy flavour.
Finishing Touches
Add a squeeze of lemon, garnish with coriander, and serve hot with puris, the classic Gujarati way. The fresh acidity brightens the dish, while the garnish adds colour and aroma, turning your Undhiyu into a festive, wholesome winter treat.
Smart Appliance Tips for Faster Undhiyu
Traditional Undhiyu is slow-cooked, but modern appliances make it easier to recreate the same depth of flavour in far less time. These smart kitchen tools help streamline prep, boost efficiency, and maintain authenticity without compromising taste.
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Steam Smarter with Electric Cookers: Electric cookers from Wipro ensure your root vegetables, especially yams and sweet potatoes, cook evenly without constant monitoring. They maintain consistent heat, reducing cooking time while preserving the veggies' natural flavours and nutrients.
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Use Mixer Grinders to Nail the Masala: Traditional undhiyu masala has a coarse, earthy texture. A mixer grinder helps you achieve the right consistency quickly, keeping the flavours intact and ensuring the masala coats every vegetable evenly for that authentic Gujarati richness.
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Microwave for Quick Softening: If you're short on time, you can soften veggies like raw banana or sweet potato in a Wipro microwave oven using the quick-steam mode. This method retains moisture and cuts down prep time, making the overall cooking process smoother and faster.
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Air Fry Muthiyas for a Healthy Twist: Air fryers make your muthiyas crispy without turning oily, improving both taste and texture. This healthier version blends beautifully into Undhiyu, giving you the traditional crunch with significantly less oil.
Why Undhiyu is a Perfect Winter Dish
Winter produce in Gujarat is naturally nutrient-dense and helps boost immunity. Undhiyu brings these benefits together by combining high-fibre vegetables, vitamin-rich greens, protein-packed groundnuts and sesame, and seasonal herbs like green garlic. This harmony of fresh winter ingredients makes Undhiyu not just a delicious festive speciality but also a deeply wholesome dish that nourishes the body during the colder months.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your steaming bowl of Undhiyu with hot puris or phulkas for a comforting, traditional meal. If you want to embrace the classic Uttarayan pairing, serve it alongside freshly made jalebis for a sweet–savory balance. You can also add a glass of buttermilk or chaas to lighten the meal and enhance digestion. Finally, finish with a sprinkle of coriander and sesame for added freshness and a delightful crunch.
A Celebration Worth Cooking
Undhiyu is a winter ritual cherished across generations. With the convenience of modern Wipro Appliances, you can recreate the deep, slow-cooked flavours of the undhiyu recipe Gujarati style, without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a feast or a cosy family meal, this dish always brings warmth, nostalgia, and festive joy.
FAQs
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What are the main ingredients in Undhiyu?
Undhiyu includes surti papdi, baby potatoes, raw bananas, sweet potatoes, purple yam, coconut, coriander, green garlic, sesame seeds, muthiyas, and a blend of Gujarati spices. The unique mix of winter vegetables defines the dish’s authentic taste.
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What are the benefits of Undhiyu?
It’s packed with fibre, antioxidants, vitamins, and seasonal nutrients. Thanks to its mix of root vegetables, greens, and healthy fats, Undhiyu is both energy-rich and great for winter digestion.
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Can I prepare Undhiyu faster using a microwave oven?
Yes! A microwave oven can soften root vegetables quickly and evenly, significantly reducing prep time. It also helps retain nutrients better compared to over-boiling.
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Is an air fryer useful while making Undhiyu?
Absolutely. Air fryers make methi muthiyas crisp with minimal oil, giving the recipe a healthier twist without compromising flavour.
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How does a mixer grinder help in making Undhiyu?
A mixer grinder ensures the masala paste blends smoothly and consistently. This helps the flavours coat every vegetable evenly, enhancing the dish’s authenticity.