Search
Login
Foodies Only in your inbox
By clicking "Subscribe", you agree to ourPrivacy Policy and to receive marketing emails from Foodies Only
ITC Portal
Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
SearchLoginSearchLoginCopyright © 2025 Foodies Only
7 min
13/02/2026
With winter comes the craving for hot, crispy snacks, often fried and heavy. But the Gujarati kitchen offers a lighter solution. It offers steamed and fermented snacks such as dhokla, handvo, and muthiya, which are warm, flavourful, and made with little oil. This article examines how traditional Gujarati snacks use fermentation and slow cooking to make filling, nutritious tea-time snacks that are healthier alternatives to winter favourites, the pakoras. Dive deeper to know more.
Gujarati snacks are delicious and are built around balance. Instead of deep frying, many Gujarati recipes rely on fermentation and use healthier ingredients, such as lentils and grains, and are often steamed. This approach is helpful, especially during winter, when the Northern belts are known for deep-fried snacks like Kachoris and Samosas, and the Southern belts for wadas. Although these snacks satisfy the taste buds and provide comfort during the colder months, they are also heavy on the stomach and increase the risk of high cholesterol. Gujarati snacks, on the other hand, focus on fermentation and steaming, which improves digestibility and keeps the food light. These snacks warm the body, pair perfectly with hot chai, and do not leave you feeling sluggish, making them ideal for winter evenings. Read this article to learn these recipes that will save you from deep-fried foods this winter!
Handvo is a thick, savoury cake made from a fermented batter of rice and mixed dals. It is cooked slowly on the stovetop or baked. Handvo can be a snack or a light meal. Winter vegetables such as bottle gourd, carrot, or pumpkin can be mixed into the batter, adding nutrition and moisture. The fermentation process makes handvo tangy, and the sesame seeds and tempering make it warm. Handvo is hearty enough to replace fried snacks without feeling heavy.
Dhokla is perhaps the most famous Gujarati steamed snack. It is made using fermented besan or rice-based batter. Dhoka rises beautifully when steamed, resulting in a soft, airy texture. Dhokla is soothing, especially in winter, paired with the warm green chutney. Dhokla is light, making it easier to digest, and the fermentation process adds depth to the flavour without being overpowering. A side of green chutney with dhokla during winter evenings is something to die for!
Like many other Gujarati snacks, muthiya begins with steaming and concludes with a light tempering. This gives it a structure without deep frying. Muthiya is made using flours such as wheat, besan, or millet, and flavoured with methi leaves or bottle gourd. It is both filling and warming. The steaming process keeps it soft inside, while the tempering adds crunch and aroma, making muthiya a satisfying winter tea-time option.
Patra is made using colocasia leaves and coated with a fermented gram flour mixture. It is then rolled, steamed, and sliced before serving. The leaves soften from steaming, and the spices blend well with them. Patra is served warm and feels robust and comforting. Fermentation balances its strong flavours very well. Patra is a classic example of how Gujarati snacks use technique rather than oil to make a dish tasty without being heavy or unhealthy.
Fermented batters break down complex carbohydrates and proteins, making snacks lighter and easier to digest. In colder months, this becomes even more important, as heavy foods can feel overwhelming. Fermentation also adds natural flavour, reducing the need for excess spices or fats. When combined with steaming, it produces snacks that are warm, nourishing, and satisfying. While pakoras have their unique place, especially during winters, steamed Gujarati snacks are a gentler option for daily winter indulgence. They deliver comfort without excess oil, making them suitable for daily use. The best part is, they can be reheated well, which makes them practical for busy evenings and family chai sessions!