Vegetarian Chhutagi Recipe – Ladakhi Bow-Tie Pasta Stew

Vegetarian chhutagi is a comforting Arunachal-style dumpling dish made with rice-flour wrappers and a simple vegetable filling. The dumplings cook in a light broth, so the meal is both satisfying and gentle.

What makes chhutagi special

Unlike fried dumplings, chhutagi are simmered with vegetables and herbs. The rice wrapper becomes soft while the broth carries the flavour.

Chhutagi – Ladakhi Bow-Tie Pasta Stew

5 from 1 vote

A traditional Ladakhi pasta stew made with handmade whole wheat bow-tie pasta simmered in a hearty spiced vegetable broth with tofu

Servings 4 bowls

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

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Ingredients

  

Dough Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• Water as required

Stew Ingredients

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 onion chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tomato chopped
• 1 carrot diced
• 1 potato diced
• ½ cup green peas
• 1 cup spinach or cabbage
• 150 g tofu cubed
• Salt and pepper
• 4 cups vegetable stock

Instructions

 

• Step-by-Step Vegetarian Chhutagi Recipe
• 1: Prepare the Dough
• First, mix flour and salt. Then knead into a firm dough and let it rest for 10 minutes.
• Resting relaxes gluten and improves texture.
• Roll the dough thin, as it helps the pasta to cook evenly.
• 2: Now, let's shape the Chhutagi
• Roll the dough and cut into squares. Then pinch the centre to form bow-tie shapes.
• 3: Prepare the Stew Base
• Heat oil and sauté onions and garlic. Then add tomatoes and cook until soft.
• 4: Once tomatoes are mushy, add carrots, potatoes and peas and let them cook.
• 5: Once the vegetables are cooked, then add the broth
• Once the stew starts to boil, simmer it and season.
• 6: Add Tofu cubes and cook gently
• 7: Cook the Pasta
• Add the pasta to the stew and cook until soft.
• 8: Finally, serve the vegetarian chhutagi recipe warm in bowls.

Author: Gayatri Iyer

Calories: 280kcal

Cost: $3

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian, Ladakhi

Keyword: chhutagi recipe, Ladakhi pasta stew, traditional Ladakhi food, Himalayan pasta, vegetarian Himalayan recipe

Method

Prepare a soft rice-flour dough and roll small wrappers. Fill with finely chopped vegetables, seal carefully and set aside. Simmer onion, ginger and vegetables in stock, then add the dumplings and cook until the wrappers are tender.

Tips

• Keep wrappers covered so they do not dry out.
• Do not overcrowd the pot.
• Adjust broth seasoning before adding dumplings.

FAQs

Can I use wheat wrappers?

Yes, though rice flour gives the traditional tender texture.

Final thoughts

Serve chhutagi straight from the pot with chilli and fresh herbs.