Easy Undhiyu {Vegetable Casserole} – Instant Pot

Easy Undhiyu, may sound like an oxymoron. However, once you read the recipe, I’m pretty sure you will agree with me. You might even award this to be the easiest version!

Traditionally, made in a clay pot. Undhiyu is a special gujarati dish made with medley of tubers and veggies like, purple yam, sweet and regular potatoes, green beans, eggplants, etc. The clay pot is filled with veggies and spices. Then, the pot is buried in a large underground furnace covered by a pile of dried leaves which are set alight.

Otherwise, considered as a laborious dish, Undhiyu is extremely convenient and simple to cook for 2 reasons:

1. The convenience of frozen, pre-chopped vegetables like purple yam, green beans (surti papdi) and shelled green beans(sutra papdi lilva) which are readily available in Indian grocery stores.
2. Using an Instant Pot to layer the veggies and spices and cooking them to perfection without any babysitting.

The spices are turmeric, ginger, green chili, carom seeds, ground cumin and coriander, ground peanuts, and grated coconut. These spices add an incredible depth and flavors to this dish. If, the list of ingredients looks lengthy, remember many of the same spices are used as stuffing in the eggplant. As well as, to layer over the other veggies.

Although, the hardy veggies can be marinated in the spices before hand, I almost never do it with the Instant Pot. Simply layering them along with the veggies and cooking on low pressure makes this hearty pot of mixed vegetable casserole.

After, the veggies are cooked, stir in the pre-cooked steamed dumplings, muthia. If, this dish has started to sound a bit complex. Another tip, is to either cook and freeze the muthia (my preferred method, because nothing beats home cooked flavors) or buy the store bought frozen muthia (I promise these are equally delicious and come in handy.) You can also skip the Muthia.

You will fall in love with the earthy flavors and aromas of this hallmark vegan Gujarati dish, whichever method.

Often, I compare this dish to the Maharashtrian mixed vegetable dish, Bhogichi Bhaji. Similar to Undhiyu, is made during the winter months to celebrate the seasons harvest bounty. In addition, both dishes are easy to make in the Instant Pot and very versatile.

PREVIOUSLY

One year ago: Sheer Khurma, Kheema Paav and Corn Poblano Chowder

Two years ago: Pan Fried Pompano and  Kale Potato Flatbreads

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Easy Undhiyu - Instant Pot

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Mixed vegetable casserole with a medley of veggies likes, purple yam, sweet and regular potatoes, green beans, eggplants cooked in earthy spices, ginger and chilies.

Course: Entree

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: instant pot, undhiyu

Servings: 4

Calories: 507 kcal

Author: Archana

Ingredients

• 8 baby eggplants
• 1 medium Idaho potato ,peeled and cubed
• 1 medium sweet potato optional
• 1 cup Indian flat beans /frozen surti papdi
• 1 cup diced violet Indian yam /frozen ratalu
• ½ cup shelled indian flat beans /frozen surti papdi lilva

Eggplant Stuffing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon shredded dry coconut ,lightly roasted
• 1 tablespoon ground peanuts
• 2 teaspoons coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Remaining Ingredients

• ¼ cup oil
• pinch asafetida /hing
• 1 teaspoon carom seeds /ajwain
• 1 teaspoon hot green chilies ,minced
• 2 teaspoon ginger ,grated
• 2 teaspoon garlic ,grated
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric ground
• 1 tablespoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon ground peanuts
• 2 tablespoon shredded dry coconut lightly roasted
• 2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup pre-cooked muthia
• ½ cup coriander leaves chopped for garnish

Instructions

1. Wash the baby eggplants and trim the stems to about 1/2 inch. Starting from the round globe end, cut the eggplants vertically, stopping before you cut into the stem. Make a second, perpendicular cut from the globe end toward the stem, again stopping before you cut into the stem.
2. In a small bowl, stir together the coconut, peanuts, coriander powder, red chili powder and salt. Stuff the eggplants by spooning about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the mixture into the slits. Reserve any remaining mixture (you may not use all of it). Reserve the eggplants.
3. Set Instant Pot to saute mode and heat oil. Add hing and carom seeds, cook them for a minute or until aromatic.
4. Add potatoes, beans, purple yam and shelled beans. Add green chili, ginger and garlic and mix well. Add turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, ground peanuts, coconut, salt and sugar. Add water and layer the stuffed eggplants on top. Springle any remaining stuffing mixture on top. Do not mix.
5. Close the Instant Pot with pressure valve to sealing and cook on low pressure for 4 minutes. Press Cancel and quick release the pressure. Gently take the cooked eggplant out. Add muthia and cilantro and mix gently. Top with reserved eggplant and enjoy hot!

Recipe Video

Nutrition Facts

Easy Undhiyu - Instant Pot

Amount Per Serving

Calories 507 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Fat 18g28%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Sodium 1842mg80%

Potassium 2674mg76%

Carbohydrates 73g24%

Fiber 19g79%

Sugar 15g17%

Protein 19g38%

Vitamin A 2085IU42%

Vitamin C 194.7mg236%

Calcium 475mg48%

Iron 17.1mg95%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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