Thick, crispy gram flour sticks flavoured with black pepper — the Bhavnagar variety of gathiya that is thicker than the Ahmedabad version, with a stronger black pepper flavour and a harder crunch. The most well-known gathiya from the Saurashtra coast, sold across Gujarat in every sweet shop.
Ingredients
2 cups gram flour (besan)
1 tsp black pepper — coarsely crushed (the defining spice of Bhavnagari gathiya)
1/2 tsp ajwain
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp asafoetida
2 tbsp oil
a generous pinch of salt
water — about 1/2 cup (firm but pliable dough)
oil for deep frying
Method
Make the dough: Combine gram flour, coarsely crushed black pepper, ajwain, turmeric, asafoetida, oil and salt. Mix until oil is distributed. Add water gradually to form a firm, smooth dough. Knead 5 minutes. The dough should be stiffer than chapati dough.
Rest 10 minutes: Cover and rest.
Heat oil: Heat oil in a wide kadai on medium.
Prepare the sev press: Use a murukku/chakli press with a thick-hole attachment for Bhavnagari gathiya (larger holes than for thin gathiya).
Test the oil: A small piece of dough should rise within 2 seconds.
Press into oil: Fill the press with dough. Press directly into the hot oil in long, straight lines.
Fry on medium heat: Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning once, until deep golden-brown and very crispy. The Bhavnagari version is fried longer than standard gathiya for the characteristic hardness.
Drain: Remove and drain on paper towels.
Cool completely: Allow to cool fully before eating — the full crispiness develops on cooling.
Store: Store in an airtight tin once completely cool. Keeps 3 to 4 weeks.
Note: Bhavnagari Gathiya is the most well-known variety of gathiya in Gujarat — specific to Bhavnagar city on the Saurashtha coast, from which it takes its name. The distinctive black pepper flavour and the extra-thick, hard crunch are what distinguish Bhavnagari gathiya from the regular variety. Bhavnagar is also known for its chevdo (a mixed snack) and for the diamond-cutting industry of nearby Surat. The gathiya from Bhavnagar sweet shops is sold across Gujarat and is one of the state's most transported food souvenirs.