Recipe Overview

Guvar Vari jo Saag is a traditional Thathai Bhatia dish that combines

cluster beans with  crispy fried lentil dumplings (Varis).

The curry is light and slightly watery in consistency, allowing the flavours of the

spiced lentil dumplings to infuse beautifully into the vegetable base.

Recipe Details

– Cuisine: Thathai Bhatia / Sindhi

– Course: Main / Vegetable Curry

– Preparation Time: 10–12 hours (soaking) + 20 minutes prep

– Cooking Time: 30–35 minutes

– Total Time: ~11–12 hours (including soaking)

– Serves: 4

Ingredients

For the Varis (Fried Dumplings)

– Horse gram lentil / Split black gram  (Urad Dal)– 1 cup

– Salt – to taste

– Oil – for frying

For the Saag

– Cluster beans – 200 gms.

– Green chillies – 4 nos. (chopped)

– Asafoetida – a pinch

– Oil – 3 tbsp.

– Coriander powder – 1 tsp.

– Cumin powder – 1 tsp.

– Raw mango powder – 1 tsp.

– Turmeric powder – ½ tsp.

– Salt – to taste

– Sugar – ¼ tsp. (optional)

– Coriander leaves – 1 tbsp. (for garnish)

– Water – as required

Method 

Step 1: Preparing the Varis (Dumplings)

– Soak the lentil overnight (10–12 hours).

– Grind into a thick batter using minimal water.

– Add salt and mix well.

– Heat oil in a kadai for frying.

– Drop small portions of batter into the oil to form round dumplings.

– Fry until golden brown and crisp.

– Remove, drain excess oil, and keep aside.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetable

– Wash the cluster beans thoroughly.

– Trim and cut them into 1-inch pieces.

Step 3: Tempering the Base

– In a kadai (wok), heat oil on a medium flame.

– Add chopped green chillies and asafoetida.

– Allow the mixture to temper until aromatic.

Step 4: Cooking the Cluster Beans

– Add the cluster beans to the kadai.

– Add enough water to just cover the beans.

– Add salt and turmeric powder.

– Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook until the beans are tender.

Step 5: Adding the Varis & Spices

– Once the beans are cooked, add the fried varis.

– Add coriander powder, cumin powder, raw mango powder, and optional sugar.

– Mix gently to ensure the varis remain intact.

Step 6: Final Simmering

– Allow the curry to simmer for a few minutes so the dumplings absorb the flavours.

– Maintain a thin, slightly watery consistency.

Step 7: Final Step

– Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

– Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Guvar Vari jo Saag is traditionally served with:

– Phulko (soft flatbread) – https://panjakhada.com/phulko/

– It can be served with Saaya Choka – https://panjakhada.com/saaya-choka/ for lunch

Chef’s Tips

– Fry the varis until crisp to prevent them from breaking in the curry.

– Add varis towards the end to retain their texture.

– Keep the curry slightly watery for authentic consistency.

Nutritional Insights

– Cluster beans are rich in fibre and support digestion.

– Lentil dumplings add protein and texture, making the dish more filling.

– A balanced combination of vegetable and lentil nutrition.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

– Best consumed fresh, as varis may soften over time.

– Can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.

– Reheat gently; add water if needed to adjust consistency.

Did You Know?

– Varis (lentil dumplings) are a traditional way of preserving and enhancing lentils,

adding both flavour and substance to simple vegetable curries.

Cultural Notes

Guvar Vari jo Saag highlights the Thathai Bhatia tradition of combining vegetables with

lentil-based elements—creating dishes that are simple, nourishing, and rich in texture

and flavour.