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Gujarati Thali

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December 4, 2022 / ,, / By
Learn all about making a delicious Gujarati thali and explore authentic Gujarati recipes to make your own thali at home. Plus, cabbage shaak recipe and more.
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Gujarati thali on a wooden table.

Gujarati thali is a delicious platter of authentic Gujarati food. My family is from Gujarat so I have a special fondness for the delicious food from this region of India. Read on to learn more about what goes into a thali.

What is Gujarati Thali?

Traditional Gujarati thali is a platter of various types of dishes from India’s state of Gujarat. They can be simple with a few dishes or an elaborate thali with multiple vegetable dishes and sweets. It is typically a vegetarian platter of food served as main courses.

Gujarati means of Gujarat, a state in Western India.  Thali means plate. Usually, a Gujarati thali is served on a wide, round steel plate with little bowls filled with different types of food.

There is a huge variety of Indian food across regions so there are a variety of regional thalis across India. So, if you go to Rajasthan or Kerala, you can find different types of thali.  They are generally considered to be a full meal served for either lunch or dinner. Regional thali restaurants are a great place to try a variety of Indian food from various areas.

Some common components of a typical thali across regions is: rice, vegetable dish, Indian bread, dal, Indian pickle, and Indian sweet.

If you go to Gujarat, stop by a thali spot for some good food, oftentimes you will get unlimited Gujarati thalis.  So, there are servers continuously refilling your plate!

 It is quite an experience and the thali you get from one spot to another will be different.  Kathiyawad is a sub-region of Gujarat and it is a great place to get a different taste of authentic Gujarati food.

Components of a Gujarati Thali

Authentic Gujarati cuisine is delicious food with a balance of flavors hitting your taste buds -spicy, tangy, salty, and sweet.

gobi matar or cauliflower shaak in a bowl on a gray plate.
  • Indian bread: Rotli, Puran Poli, or Poori are common choices
  • Dal: Gujarati Dal and Toor Dal
  • Rice: Typically plain rice, Indian Basmati Rice, is included. Kathiyawadi thalis may include Khichdi.
  • Shaak: A wide variety of vegetable dishes can be used, some include Bhinda Nu Shaak, Valor Muthia Nu Shaak, Methi Bateta Nu Shaak, Peas Cauliflower Nu Shaak, Sev Tameta Nu Shak and Cabbage Shaak.
  • Farsan  – Farsan means snack or appetizer.  Common Gujarati farsan items include kachori, Khaman, Bhajiya, Methi Na Gota
  • Indian Sweet Dishes: A variety can be served, some include: Mohanthal, Shrikhand, Churma
  • Indian salad: Kachumber
  • Indian Pickles: Carrot Pickle, Chhundo, and Athela Marcha
  • Drink:  In some areas, Chaas or Salted Lassi is served.
  • Papad

Kathiyawadi Thali: Rotli, Gujarati Kadhi, daal, bhat, onions, Ghee and Jaggery. 

Puran Poli with Kadhi is commonly paired together

Gujarati Thali Recipes

Making a Gujarati thali  of your own can be fun and you can include your favorite Gujarati dishes.Explore the recipes below to get ideas to make your own version at home.

Indian Breads

Fluffy masala puris on a blue plate.

Puri Recipe – Masala Poori Recipe

Piping hot, fluffy puri made at home! This homemade poori recipe makes delicious puri with melt in your mouth centers and crispy edges.
Get the recipe

Rice

Indian basmati rice on a blue plate with a steel serving spoon.

Authentic Indian Basmati Rice: Stovetop, Rice Cooker or Instant Pot

Get ready for the Best Indian Basmati rice! Perfect, easy way to get fluffy, easy basmati rice three ways: stove top, rice cooker or Instant Pot! Round out your favorite dish with a heaping side of warm, fragrant basmati rice!
Get the recipe

Shaaks

bhinda nu shaak indian okra recipes

Bhinda Nu Shaak – Indian Okra Recipe (Gujarati)

Traditional Indian okra recipe from Gujarat, bhinda nu shaak. Ready within 20 minutes!
Get the recipe
gobi matar or cauliflower shaak in a bowl on a gray plate.

Peas and Cauliflower Shaak Or Gobi Matar Dry

Authentic Indian curried cauliflower and peas dish. Easy to make and delicious!
Get the recipe
Valor muthia nu shaak in a pan.

Valor Muthia Nu Shaak

Delicious traditional Gujarati recipe for valor muthia nu shaak. It is made with primarily muthias and valor (papdi or flat bleans).
Get the recipe
Sukhi bhaji a farali dry potato bhaji in a silver bowl with curry leaves on a gray dish.

Sukhi Bhaji – Farali Recipe – Potato Bhaji

Ready in 10 minutes, this is a farali recipe of Gujarati potato sukhi bhaji or dry potato bhaji which is a combination of spicy, sweet, tangy and nutty.  A delicious and easy potato sabzi with nuts for extra flavor. It is made often for upvas as a bataka ni sukhi bhaji. Also known as sukhi aloo bhaji.
Get the recipe
Bharela bhinda nu shaak in an oval bowl.

Bharela Bhinda nu Shaak or Bharwa Bhindi

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.
Get the recipe
Tindora nu shaak in a pan.

Tindora Nu Shaak

Tindora nu shaak is a quick, delicious vegetable dish madeof ivy gourd and potatoes. It uses a handful of simple Indian spices fora healthy meal.
Get the recipe
karela nu shaak bitter melon curry

Karela Nu Shaak (bitter melon Indian style)

Bitter gourd vegetable side or shaak. Traditional Indian Gujarati dish called karela nu shaak or bateta karela shaak as it has potatoes.
Get the recipe
Cabbage shaak in a blue bowl with cilantro garnish.

Cabbage Shaak or Cabbage Sabzi

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.
Get the recipe
Guvar nu shaak

Guvar Nu Shaak (Gawar Sabzi, Gawar Recipe)

A delicious guvar shaak or gawar recipe that is cooked in 15 minutes. A traditional Indian cluster beans recipe.
Get the recipe
Methi aloo on a gray plate.

15 Minute Aloo Methi or Methi Bateta Nu Shaak

Aloo methi is a simple delicious sabzi with potatoes and nutritious fenugreek leaves. All you need are a few basic Indian spices to make this quick dish.
Get the recipe

Farsan

Khaman with tadka poured on top and dessicated coconut.

Instant 30 Minute Khaman Dhokla Recipe – (Besan)

Moist and spongy traditional Gujarati khaman dhokla recipe! This instant savory besan (gram flour) khaman is a flavorful, steamed and so tasty.  This recipe uses no yogurt or curd so it is both vegetarian and vegan.
Get the recipe
methi na gota pakora

Methi Na Gota

Methi na gota or methi pakora is a traditional Gujarati snack. This is one of many recipes by my Mom that everyone loves.
Get the recipe
samosa pinwheels with green chutney

Samosa Pinwheels (Baked)

Flaky,delicious baked puff pastry samosas that are quick to pull together and would taste delicious with a cup of chai and green chutney
Get the recipe
Samosa Dipping sauces

11 Authentic & Flavorful Samosa Dipping Sauces / Samosa Chutneys Including Green Samosa Sauce

Delicious green samosa sauce perfect for dipping samosas. Plus, enjoy 11 more samosa chutney recipes to elevate samosa snacking!
Get the recipe

Indian Sweets

I have an extensive set of Indian Sweet Recipes. Below are a few commonly found in authentic Gujarati thali.

Mohanthal pieces with pistachio garnish on a steel tray.

Delicious Gujarati Mohanthal Recipe

Just 6 ingredients to make a homemade Gujarati mohanthal recipe that melts in your mouth! Detailed pictures to learn the tips to make this delicious traditional sweet without mawa.
Get the recipe
Churma Ladoo No Frying

Churma Ladoo No Frying

Delicious traditional Gujarati churma laddoo recipe made without frying! These ladoos arehearty and often prepared for Ganesh Chaturthi. These authentic Gujarati churma ladoo are popular Indian sweets, especially amongst the brahmin community.  They can be served as part of a Gujarati thali or on their own during festival time
Get the recipe
Greek yogurt shrikand topped with pistachios and rose petals.

Instant Greek Yogurt Shrikhand Recipe

Shrikhand is a popular Indian sweet from Western India that is yogurt based and easy to make! I love making it with greek yogurt. Best served chilled and to give the flavors some time to soak in.
Get the recipe
Mango ras or aamras in a small bowl with a spoon, topped with saffron threads.

Mango Ras or Aamras

A popular and staple Indian dessert made easily with fresh,ripe mangoes in season to make mango puree. It can be optionally flavored using spices such as saffron, ginger powder or cardamom.
Get the recipe

Indian Pickles

Keri Chundo or Mango Chunda Recipe

Instant Keri No Chundo or Chunda Recipe (Mango)

Mango chunda or keri no chundo is a traditional Gujarati recipe for a sweet and spicy mango pickle.  This is an easy stovetop recipe, ready quickly to enjoy!
Get the recipe
Gajar ka achaar.

Easy Indian Carrot Pickle (Gujarati)

Indian carrot pickle is a delicious, tangy, mildly spicy accompaniment or side dish for all types of Indian food.
Get the recipe
Athela marcha in a white lace plate.

Gujarati Athela Marcha (Instant Indian Green Chili Pickle)

Athela marcha or Indian green chili pickle is a delicious,tangy, mildy spicy accompaniment or side dish for all types of Indian food. It’seasy to make and adds a zing and depth of flavor to your meal.
Get the recipe

Drink

Masala Chaas

5 Minute Salt Lassi or Masala Chaas or Masala Lassi

A refreshing salt lassi recipe is a healthy drink easily made in 5 minutes and with a handful of ingredients.  This frothy classic salt lassi or masala lassi or masala chaas is a yogurt-based drink.
Get the recipe

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Gujarati thali on a wooden table.

All About Gujarati Thali + Recipes (Cabbage Shaak + More)

Shilpa Joshi
Learn all about making a delicious Gujarati thali and explore authentic Gujarati recipes to make your own thali at home. Plus, cabbage shaak recipe and more.
No ratings yet
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course dinner, lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Gujarati, Indian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 129 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 pan

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups cabbage chopped, 290g
  • 1-2 small potatoes chopped, 290g
  • ¼ cup crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp red chili powder lal mirch
  • 1 tsp dhana jeeru powder cumin coriander powder
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • 2-3 tbsp oil
  • ½ tsp mustard seeds
  • ¼ tsp asafetida (hing) skip to make it gluten-free

Instructions
 

  • Add oil to pan and turn gas on to medium-high heat. Once oil is heated add mustard seeds. After they stop popping, add asafetida.
    Heated oil in a pan with mustard seeds.
  • Add chopped potatoes to the pan.
    Potatoes added to pan.
  • Add chopped cabbage to the pan.
    Chopped cabbage added to pan.
  • Add all spices except sugar.
    Spices addes to cabbage and potatoes.
  • Mix well, lower gas to low-medium and cover to cook.
    Cabbage and potatoes mixed with spices.
  • Cook about 10-12 minutes (stirring and checking in between to make sure it does not burn) until potatoes are fork tender and cooked.
    Cooked cabbage sabzi.
  • Add crushed tomatoes and sugar and mix well. Let cook further 3 minutes.
    Crushed tomatoes added to cabbage shaak in pan.
  • Optionally top sabzi with chopped cilantro and serve.
    Cabbage shaak in a blue bowl with cilantro garnish.

Notes

How do you know the shaak is ready?

It usually takes about 12-15 minutes to cook through.  When you can easily cut the potato with a knife you will know it is ready!

Nutrition

Calories: 129kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 628mgPotassium: 391mgFiber: 4gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 267IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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