Hariyali Teej 2024: Traditional Dishes For Your Gujarati Thali

Hariyali Teej is a popular festival in India, which is joyously celebrated by women in the northern and western parts of the country. Gujarat is one of the Indian states where Hariyali Teej is often celebrated by dressing in green, worshipping Lord Shiva, observing fasts, and relishing elaborate fasts at the end of the day.

While you might already be familiar with the classic dishes that are savoured across India, a traditional Gujarati thali has much more to it. Be it the usual dhokla or their famous street food Locho; a Hariyali Special Gujarati thali is filled with snacks, a main course, and a traditional dessert. This year, why don’t you indulge in the traditional regional cuisine and celebrate the festival in style?

Locho

Starting with a traditional appetiser, Locho is a popular street food that originated in Surat, Gujarat. It is usually made from a batter of ground chana dal mixed with green chillies, turmeric powder, cumin powder, chopped onions, and a squeeze of lemon. With a soft and fluffy texture, you can garnish it with sev and chopped coriander leaves and serve it with a spicy green chutney.

Also Read: From Ghewar To Sinjara, The Flavours of Teej In Pink City, Jaipur

Dhokla

While preparing a Gujarati thali, you cannot miss out on the classic dhokla. It is one of the most popular dishes in the state, known for its fluffy and light texture. Made with fermented rice and lentil-based batter, it is often spiced with green chillies and tampered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. A close cousin of dhokla, khaman, made with besan (gram flour), is another famous variant of the Gujarati snack.

Dal Dhokli

Coming to the main course, dal dhokli is a Gujarati comfort food that has its own place in the Hariyali Teej thali. The one-pot dish is made with wheat flour-based dumplings called dhokli. They are then cooked in a spicy gravy made with toor dal (lentils). You can pair it with rotis, puris, or even rice to complete the thali.

Methi Thepla

No Indian thali is complete without a flatbread. Even though you can serve wheat-based puris or roti, nothing can beat the Gujarati thepla. Methi thepla is a staple in most Gujarati households that is made with whole wheat flour, fenugreek leaves (methi), curd, and a blend of spices. Garnished with desi ghee, it is the perfect addition to a Hariyali Teej thali.

Basundi

Ending with a traditional Gujarati dessert, basundi is a thick and creamy dessert that is usually made to mark important festivals or events in Indian households. You can easily make it at home by simmering milk till it thickens. Sweetened with sugar and condensed milk, it is often served with chopped nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, and pistachios. Especially for Teej, it is mostly paired with ghevar or malpua.