Got leftover rice sitting in the fridge? Don’t throw it away! Transform it into a nutritious and flavorful snack with this Leftover Rice Muthia recipe. This traditional Gujarati dish is not only a smart way to reduce food waste but also a delicious and filling option for breakfast, tea-time, or even a light dinner.

What is Muthia?

Muthia is a popular snack from Gujarat, India, made by combining flour, spices, and vegetables or leftovers into a dough, shaping them into rolls or dumplings, and then steaming or pan-frying them. The name “Muthia” comes from the word muthi, meaning fist, referring to the way the dough is shaped.

Why You’ll Love This Leftover Rice Muthia Recipe

Zero waste: Great way to use up cooked rice
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
Nutritious: Made with multigrain flours and veggies
Vegan and wholesome

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooked leftover rice – 1 ½ cups
Whole wheat flour (atta) – 2 tablespoons
Besan (gram flour) – 2 tablespoons
Semolina (sooji) – 1 tablespoon
Green chilli-ginger paste – 1 tablespoon
Chopped coriander leaves – 1 tablespoon
Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
Red chilli powder – ½ teaspoon
Sugar – ½ teaspoon
Salt – to taste
Oil – 1 tablespoon + for greasing and tempering
Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds, sesame seeds, curry leaves – for tempering

How to Make Leftover Rice Muthia (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a mixing bowl, mash the leftover rice well. Add the wheat flour, besan, semolina, green chilli-ginger paste, chopped coriander, turmeric, red chilli powder, sugar, salt, 1 tablespoon oil, and lemon juice. Mix everything together to form a soft dough. Use a little water only if needed.

Step 2: Shape the Muthias
Grease your hands and shape the dough into cylindrical rolls.

Step 3: Steam the Muthias
Place the rolls in a greased steamer and steam for 15–20 minutes or until firm. Let them cool, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Temper and Serve
Heat some oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and curry leaves. Once they splutter, add the muthia pieces and sauté until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Leftover Rice Muthia hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup. Perfect with a cup of masala chai!

Tips and Variations

You can add grated bottle gourd (lauki), spinach, or fenugreek leaves for added nutrition.
Steam and store the muthias in the fridge; sauté them fresh when needed.
Adjust spice levels to your taste.

Health Benefits

This recipe is packed with fiber, proteins, and complex carbs. Using multigrain flours and herbs makes it a gut-friendly, wholesome option for any time of the day.

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Rice Muthia recipe is proof that simple ingredients and traditional methods can create magic in the kitchen. Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or just craving something savory and satisfying, this dish will surely hit the spot. Try it out and give your leftovers a delicious second life!