12+ Authentic Quick Gujarati Shaak Recipes

Homestyle authentic Gujarati shaak recipes that are ready in under 30 minutes.  These Gujarati vegetable shaak recipes are all ones I’ve learned from my mom!  I hope you can use them at home for quick stovetop meals under 30 minutes.

In Gujarati cuisine, shaaks are quick vegetable dishes that are both simple and satisfying. These recipes are all those I grew up eating and are truly tried and tested over generations as family recipes.

Shaaks are made daily in Gujarati households, and their recipes are simple – designed to fit seamlessly into the busy routines of everyday life.

A typical Gujarati meal often centers around the comforting combination of rotli and shaak, accompanied by dar baath (lentils and rice).  Several types of shaak will be included in a Gujarati thali for bigger meals.

With a focus on sautéing techniques and a careful balance of spices, shaaks offer diverse flavors without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Each dish features one or two main ingredients like vegetables and potatoes and a variety of simple Indian spices.

Like all recipes on my site, they are only vegetarian recipes.  Most are vegan and gluten-free as well.  Shaaks are perfect for casual family dinners and festive occasions.  Read on for serving suggestions below.

What do you need to make shaaks?

While each Gujarati shaak recipe is a little different, they generally consist of the same few components.

Powdered Spice: These simple recipes use spices commonly used in Indian cooking and that I keep in my masala dabba.  They include cumin-coriander powder (which you can make at home), red chili powder, garam masala, and turmeric powder.

Whole Spice: In Gujarati cooking, a vaghar, or tempering, is essential, featuring ingredients like cumin seeds, mustard seeds, cloves, and ginger. 

Sometimes garlic cloves green chilies, or a finishing of lemon juice may be added.

What do you serve with shaak?

Pair it with Bhakri, Masala Puri, or Roti (like Sorghum Roti, Besan Roti, or even Almond Flour Roti). You can pair it with plain basmati rice or explore a new Indian rice dish.

If you’d like to round out the plate, you could also add Kadhi or spinach dal.

I personally love Greek yogurt on the side with shaak.

 If you want to explore Gujarati foods, check out one pot Dal Dhokli or Khaman Dhokla.

Other side ideas:

1. Khichdi: If you want to go for something comforting and wholesome, consider serving khichdi. It’s a blend of rice and lentils cooked together, which balances the flavors of the shaak beautifully.
2. Kachumber Salad: For a refreshing side dish, prepare a kachumber salad. It’s a simple salad made with chopped cucumber, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the shaak.
3. Papad: Crispy papad is a must-have accompaniment with Gujarati meals. It adds a crunchy texture and an extra layer of flavor to the meal.
4. Indian Pickles: Whether it’s mango pickle, athela marcha, or Indian carrot pickle.

Remember, the beauty of Gujarati cuisine lies in its diversity and the ability to mix and match different elements according to personal taste preferences. 

Read on to learn how to make real Indian food made regularly in a Gujarati rasoi (kitchen). I’ll be adding more as I add them to the blog, such as vaal nu shaak papdi nu shaak french beans shaak

1. Rasawala bateta nu shaak (Potato)

Succulent potato chunks are cooked in a luscious blend of tomatoes, ginger, aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds with a touch of heat from green chilies.

This batata nu shaak recipe is one the whole family will love.  You can even substitute the potatoes for sweet potatoes for a slightly different taste. 

2. Peas Cauliflower shaak

Peas and cauliflower nu shaak is a simple shaak made of green peas and cauliflower.  In Gujarati, peas are vatana, and cauliflower is called flower.

This is a staple in our home. It comes together quickly.  I use frozen peas and fresh cauliflower.  

3. Chori Nu Shaak (Yard long beans)

This recipe takes 15 minutes.  It’s a kind of bean stir fry. Yard long beans, also called Chinese long beans, cowpeas, or chawli na dana, are slender green beans with a slightly sweet taste and a crisp texture.

You can add in corn or potatoes to make this a heartier meal.

It has simple ingredients like commonly used Indian dry spices, garlic, and tomatoes.

4. Bhinda nu shaak

Bhinda nu shaak is an easy introductory shaak and an Indian okra recipe.  This is a Gujarati recipe, and it is so quick to make and ready in under 20 minutes.  

5. Saragva Nu Shaak (Moringa Drumstick)

Delicious drumstick vegetable (moringa) and potato dish cooked in a flavorful tomato and spice-based gravy. Known as saragva nu shaak, this Gujarati dish is my grandmother’s recipe!

You can find fresh drumsticks in your local Indian grocery store.  

6. Ringan Bateta Nu Shaak (Eggplant Potato)

Flavorful, rasawala ringan bateta nu shaak is mouthwatering and made in 30 minutes. This popular spiced potato and eggplant dish is made Gujarati style and served at many functions and special occasions.

7. Valor Muthia Nu Shaak

Hands down, valor muthia nu shaak is one of my favorite traditional Gujarati recipes.  It is made with muthias and valor (papdi or flat beans).

Muthias are essentially steamed flour dumplings.  They may be made with fenugreek, dudhi, cabbage, or even spinach.

I have used frozen muthia (Deep Bhagwati) in this recipe to show an easy way to make this finger-licking shaak.

8. Cabbage Shaak

A quick spiced cabbage stir fry that is one of my favorites.  Cabbage shaak or cabbage sabzi is ready in under 30 minutes. Add potatoes to make cabbage bateta nu shaak or peas for cabbage peas shaak.

9. Guvar nu shaak (Cluster beans)

Cluster beans or guar beans are native to India and can be found easily in Indian grocery stores.  While they look similar to French beans, they are different.  Cluster beans are smaller, thinner, and slightly bitter, while French beans are longer, thicker, and do not taste bitter.

10. Sukhi Bhaji

Ready in 10 minutes, this is a farali recipe of Gujarati potato sukhi bhaji or dry potato bhaji, a combination of spicy, sweet, tangy, and nutty.

11. Tindora Nu shaak (ivy gourd)

This recipe for tindora is a Gujarati version of tindora sabzi known as shaak. While it can be cooked independently with Indian spices, we often have it with potatoes.  

12. Bharela bhinda nu shaak

Bharwa bhindi or bharela bhindi nu shaak is a delicious stuffed bhindi or okra recipe that is simple to make in 25 minutes! It is a bit crisp on the outside and gives a burst of flavor and spice from the masala stuffing. It is vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free.

13. Karela nu shaak

This is a kaju karela bateta recipe. So, there are bitter melon, potatoes, and roasted ground cashews. Also, there are some onions and spices to round out the dish.