5 Gujarati Shaak Recipes For Vegetarian Feasting

Gujarati cuisine is an integral part of the rich and diverse culinary landscape of India. This cuisine is a unique blend of sweet and savoury flavours, which are carefully crafted using an array of spices and herbs. The cuisine is primarily vegetarian, with a strong emphasis on the use of fresh vegetables and legumes. The Gujarati shaak, or vegetable dishes, are a quintessential part of this cuisine and are enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Although it might be considered a negative stereotype for some, one of the most distinctive features of Gujarati cuisine is its use of sugar and jaggery. This gives the cuisine its characteristic taste, which is balanced by the use of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric.

There are numerous types of shaak that are prepared in Gujarati cuisine, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Gujarati shaak is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience the rich and diverse world of Indian cuisine. 

Here are five types of shaak that you must try if you want to truly experience the rich and flavorful world of Gujarati cuisine:

Undhiyu: 

Undhiyu is a classic Gujarati dish that is made with a variety of seasonal vegetables such as eggplant, potatoes, yam, and green beans. These vegetables are then mixed with a blend of spices and traditionally cooked in a clay pot or in a handi over a slow flame. The result is a flavourful and aromatic dish that is typically served with rice or roti.

Sev Tameta nu Shaak: 

Sev Tameta nu Shaak is a simple yet delicious dish that is made with tomatoes and sev, which are fried chickpea flour noodles. The dish is flavoured with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and is typically served with rice or roti.

Surti Papdi nu Shaak: 

Surti Papdi nu Shaak is a popular dish that is made with a type of flat beans called papdi. The beans are cooked with a blend of spices and flavoured with fresh coconut and peanuts. The dish has a rich and creamy texture and is typically served with rice or roti.

Bhindi Sambhariya: 

Bhindi Sambhariya is a dish made with stuffed okra. The okra is stuffed with a mixture of spices and coconut, and then roasted in the oven. The result is a crispy and flavorful dish that is typically served with rice or roti.

Ringan no Oro: 

Ringan no Oro is a simple yet delicious dish that is made with eggplant. The eggplant is roasted and then mashed with a blend of spices and fresh coconut. The result is a creamy and flavorful dish that is typically served with rice or roti.