by Tuver na Totha is a traditional Gujarati dish made from fresh green pigeon peas (tuver or toor lilva), cooked with spices and a tangy twist, offering a rustic and flavorful experience. This seasonal delicacy, popular during winter, is often enjoyed as a side dish with roti, bhakri, or rice, showcasing the earthy taste of fresh tuver. Whether you’re savoring Gujarat’s harvest or seeking a hearty veggie dish, this detailed Tuver na Totha recipe will guide you to create this savory treat at home. Let’s spice up some freshness!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
(Includes preparing the tuver)
Cook Time
- 25 minutes
(Cooking the dish)
Total Time
- 40 minutes
(A flavorful side in no time!)
Detailed Nutrition Facts (For the Entire Recipe)
This recipe serves approximately 4 people (about 3-4 cups). Nutritional values are approximate and based on the ingredients listed below:
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 15g
- Sugars: 10g (from tuver and optional sugar)
- Sodium: 1600mg (varies based on salt content)
- Cholesterol: 0mg (completely cholesterol-free!)
- Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 15% of Daily Value (DV) (from tuver)
- Vitamin C: 30% of DV (from tuver and chilies)
- Iron: 20% of DV
- Magnesium: 25% of DV
Note: Values may vary based on portion size and specific ingredient brands.
Ingredients
For the Tuver na Totha:
- 2 cups fresh tuver (green pigeon peas) – shelled (or frozen if fresh unavailable)
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste – or grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon green chili paste – or 1-2 chopped green chilies (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder – for color
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder – adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds – for tempering
- 1/4 teaspoon hing (asafoetida) – enhances flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt – or to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar – optional, for a Gujarati sweet-spicy balance
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – or 1 teaspoon tamarind paste, for tanginess
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – for cooking
- 1/2 cup water – for cooking tuver
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves – finely chopped, for garnish
Equipment Needed:
- Pan or kadhai
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Mortar-pestle or blender (optional for crushing tuver)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tuver
- If using fresh tuver, shell 2 cups of green pigeon peas from their pods. Rinse them thoroughly under water.
- Lightly crush half of the tuver using a mortar-pestle or blender to a coarse texture – this adds thickness to the dish. Leave the other half whole for texture. (If using frozen, thaw and crush half similarly.)
Step 2: Cook the Base
- Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds and 1/4 teaspoon hing, letting them sizzle for 30 seconds.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon ginger paste and 1 teaspoon green chili paste, sautéing for 1 minute until aromatic.
Step 3: Cook the Tuver
- Add the whole and crushed tuver to the pan, mixing well with the spices.
- Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar (if using). Stir to coat the tuver evenly.
- Pour in 1/2 cup water, cover, and cook on low-medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tuver softens and the mixture thickens. Add a splash of water if it dries out too much.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
- Once the tuver is cooked and tender, mash it lightly with the back of a spoon to blend the flavors (leave some texture).
- Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or tamarind paste) and mix well. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the tanginess meld. Adjust salt and spices to taste.
- Turn off the heat and garnish with 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot as a side dish with bhakri, roti, or steamed rice, paired with ghee or yogurt for a complete Gujarati meal.
- Tuver na Totha is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days – reheat with a little water before serving.
Benefits of Tuver na Totha
Tuver na Totha is a savory dish with wholesome perks! Here’s why it’s a great choice:
- Protein-Rich: Fresh tuver provides plant-based protein for energy and repair.
- Fiber Boost: Pigeon peas aid digestion and promote fullness.
- Vitamin C: Tuver and chilies offer vitamin C for immunity.
- Low-Calorie: A light veggie dish with minimal fat.
- Seasonal Goodness: Celebrates winter’s fresh produce with flavor and nutrition.
- Rustic Comfort: A tangy, spicy dish that warms the soul!
