4 LUNCH & DINNER RECIPES TO CELEBRATE THE RICH CULTURE OF MAHARASHTRA

What comes to your mind when you think of Maharashtrian cuisine? Steaming hot vada pavs with a side of zesty red chutney, right? 

Well, you aren’t even quite there! The flavours of Maharashtra are as diverse as the rich culture of this place, and it’s hard to get enough of what the local kitchens offer. From Misal Pav to Aamti, Shankarpali to Puranpoli, Bhelpuri to Pani Puri - there is something worth exploring for everyone. 

We have some of the best Maharashtrian recipes listed here that you can enjoy preparing for your next family gathering:

GHAVAN

Ghavan is a traditional breakfast recipe from the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It is a dosa-like pancake that can be prepared quickly with minimal ingredients. All you need to do is add rice flour, salt, and cumin seeds to a large bowl. Keep adding the water slowly while giving it a good stir till the batter turns out smooth and even. Now grease your tawa with a bit of oil and pour the batter from the edge of the pan. Spread it evenly and let it cook on low flame. Once it turns light brown, flip it and wait to cook. Stack up 2 to 3 ghavans on a plate and serve with tomato garlic chutney. Tempting, isn’t it?

THALIPEETH

Thalipeeth is another popular breakfast in the region. It requires you to prepare plenty of Bhajani, a super healthy multigrain flour mix that’s a staple in most Maharashtrian households and can help you churn out meals and snacks quickly. To make Thalipeeth Bhajani, dry roast jowar seeds, ragi seeds, bajra seeds, rice, wheat germ, moong dal, masoor dal, brown chickpeas, soybeans, and cumin seeds, one by one in a heavy bottom pan. Once lightly browned, cool the ingredients and make a fine powder. It is now easy to make Thalipeeth by kneading this flour with onions, green chillies, coriander, salt, and water into a soft dough. 

BHARLI VANGI

Bharli Vangi is an authentic curry made out of eggplants and loaded with the richness of local masalas. Take 8-9 small brinjals, stuff them with the roasted peanut masala, and then simmer them in a spicy onion tomato gravy. A special Maharashtrian ingredient Goda Masala is added to the curry, bringing out the flavour and giving it a unique edge. You can also add roasted sesame seeds to add a slight crunch to the curry.

POMFRET

Another popular fish that is bound to grace the dining table at a family gathering is Pomfret. It is a delicious fish fry marinated with a spicy paste that riots up the flavours enough to leave you drooling. The secret to a tempting preparation of Pomfret truly lies in the marination - a host of masalas and spices that elevate the flavours before it is dropped in a simmering curry. Serve it with rice and roasted papad.

A few homegrown brands like Aazol offer a range of masalas and chutneys to elevate your recipes to another level. Don’t forget to check them out before you throw the next feast!

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Politics/20066-4-LUNCH-and-DINNER-RECIPES-TO-CELEBRATE-THE-RICH-CULTURE-OF-MAHARASHTRA.html