Varsha PandeyFood of Maharashtra
Maharashtra, a state in western India, has a diverse culinary heritage that offers a wide range of delicious and flavorsome dishes. Here are some popular traditional foods of Maharashtra
Maharashtrian cuisine
Maharashtrian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, extensive use of spices, and diverse range of dishes. The cuisine of Maharashtra can be broadly classified into two categories: coastal and inland.
Coastal Cuisine
The coastal regions of Maharashtra, including Mumbai and the Konkan region, have a strong influence on the cuisine. Seafood plays a significant role in coastal dishes, and coconut is a common ingredient. Some popular coastal dishes include:
Malvani Cuisine
Malvani cuisine is spicy flavors. Fish curries, such as Malvani fish curry, are popular, along with dishes like kombdi vade (chicken curry served with fried bread), sol kadi (a tangy drink made with coconut milk and kokum), and tisrya masala (spicy clams).
Konkani Cuisine
Konkani cuisine is a blend of Maharashtrian and Goan culinary traditions. It features dishes like konkani fish curry, bangda fry (fried mackerel), solachi kadhi (kokum curry), and kaju usal (spicy cashew stir-fry).
Inland Cuisine
The cuisine of the inland regions of Maharashtra, such as Pune and Nagpur, is characterized by a balance of flavors and the use of traditional spices. Some notable dishes include:
Puran Poli
Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread made with a filling of jaggery and lentils. It is a popular festive dish enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions.
Kolhapuri Cuisine
This cuisine is known for its fiery and spicy flavors. Kolhapuri chicken, mutton, and vegetarian dishes are popular, along with special masalas (spice blends) like the Kolhapuri masala.
Saoji Cuisine
This cuisine hails from Nagpur and is known for its spicy and robust flavors. Saoji chicken, mutton curry, and kebabs are some of the signature dishes. The cuisine often incorporates black pepper, dry red chilies, and poppy seeds.
Varan Bhaat
Varan Bhaat is a simple and comforting dish consisting of dal (lentils) and steamed rice. It is a staple in Maharashtrian households and is often served with ghee, pickle, and papad.
Bhakri
Bhakri is a type of unleavened bread made from various flours like jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), or rice flour. It is a common accompaniment to curries and is a part of daily meals in rural Maharashtra.
Mastani
Mastani is a popular dessert drink originating from Pune. It is a thick milkshake made with a combination of ice cream, fruits, and nuts, and sometimes topped with a dollop of whipped cream.
These are just a few highlights of Maharashtrian cuisine. Each region within Maharashtra has its own unique specialties and local delicacies, contributing to the rich and diverse culinary tapestry of the state.
Vada Pav-Food of Maharashtra
Known as the “poor man’s burger,” Vada Pav consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) served in a bread bun (pav) along with chutneys and sometimes accompanied by fried green chilies.
Vada Pav
Vada Pav is often considered the quintessential street food of Maharashtra. It consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) placed inside a bread bun (pav), along with chutneys, and sometimes accompanied by fried green chilies. It is a popular snack that can be found in almost every corner of Maharashtra.
Vada Pav is a popular street food snack that originated in the Indian state of Maharashtra, particularly in the city of Mumbai. It is sometimes referred to as the “Indian burger” because of its similar format, with a potato patty enclosed in a bun, similar to a burger patty in a bun.
Here’s a basic description of Vada Pav
- The Potato Vada: The key component of Vada Pav is the potato vada. To make it, boiled and mashed potatoes are seasoned with various spices like turmeric, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies. This mixture is then shaped into round patties and coated with a gram flour (besan) batter and deep-fried until they are golden brown and crispy. The vada is flavorful and spicy, and it contrasts nicely with the soft bun.
- The Pav: The vada is served inside a pav, which is a small, square-shaped bread roll. The pav is often buttered and lightly toasted on a griddle, giving it a crispy exterior and a soft interior. This contrast in texture complements the vada well.
- Chutneys: Vada Pav is typically served with a variety of chutneys. The most common ones include a spicy green chutney made from cilantro and green chilies and a sweet tamarind chutney. These chutneys add a burst of flavors to the snack.
- Additional Ingredients: Some variations of Vada Pav may include additional ingredients like fried green chilies or fried garlic cloves for added flavor and spice.
Vada Pav is a beloved street food in Mumbai and can be found at numerous street food stalls and vendors throughout the city. It’s a quick, affordable, and tasty snack that’s enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s also a great example of the diverse and delicious street food culture in India.
Puran Poli-Food of Maharashtra
It is a sweet flatbread made from a filling of jaggery (a type of cane sugar) and lentils (chana dal). It is usually enjoyed with ghee (clarified butter) or milk.
Puran Poli is a traditional and popular sweet flatbread or stuffed roti from the state of Maharashtra in India. It is especially popular during festivals and special occasions. Puran Poli has a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a beloved dessert in Maharashtrian cuisine.
Here’s how Puran Poli is typically prepared
- Puran (Sweet Filling): The filling, known as “puran,” is made from chana dal (split chickpeas) or sometimes toor dal (split pigeon peas). The lentils are cooked until soft, then mashed and mixed with jaggery (unrefined sugar) and flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. The mixture is slow-cooked until it thickens and becomes a sweet, fragrant filling.
- Polis (Flatbreads): The outer layer, or “poli,” is made from whole wheat flour and water, similar to chapati or roti dough. The dough is kneaded until smooth, divided into small balls, and rolled out into thin circles.
- Stuffing: A portion of the sweet puran mixture is placed in the center of each rolled-out dough circle. The edges of the dough are folded over to encase the filling, and the stuffed ball is gently rolled out again to ensure an even thickness.
- Cooking: The stuffed dough is then cooked on a griddle or a flat pan with a little ghee (clarified butter) until it’s golden brown on both sides. The ghee imparts a wonderful aroma and flavor to the Puran Poli.
Puran Poli is often served hot, and it’s enjoyed with additional ghee or milk for added richness. It’s a festive treat and is commonly made during major Maharashtrian festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, and Diwali. While the basic recipe remains the same, there can be some variations in the filling and the use of ingredients depending on regional preferences.
Puran Poli is not only popular in Maharashtra but is also savored in other parts of India, albeit with regional variations in the recipe and name. It’s a delicious and comforting dessert that captures the essence of Indian culinary traditions.
Misal Pav-Food of Maharashtra
A spicy and flavorful dish, Misal Pav consists of sprouted lentils (usually moth beans or mixed sprouts) cooked with spices, served with a bread roll (pav), and garnished with chopped onions, farsan (a crunchy snack), and coriander leaves.
Poha-Food of Maharashtra
Poha is a popular breakfast dish made from flattened rice flakes cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, onions, turmeric, and other spices. It is often garnished with sev (crispy fried noodles) and served with a side of lemon.
Bharli Vangi-Food of Maharashtra
Also known as stuffed brinjal or baingan masala, this dish features small brinjals stuffed with a spicy coconut-based filling and cooked until tender. It is often enjoyed with chapatis or rice.
Sabudana Khichdi-Food of Maharashtra
This is a fasting dish made with soaked tapioca pearls (sago), roasted peanuts, and spices. It is commonly consumed during religious fasting periods and is gluten-free.
Modak-Food of Maharashtra
A popular sweet dumpling, Modak is made from rice flour dough filled with a sweet mixture of jaggery and grated coconut. It is steamed and often served as an offering during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Kanda Poha
Kanda Poha is a quick and easy breakfast dish made with flattened rice, onions, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric. It is a staple in many Maharashtrian households.
Thalipeeth
Thalipeeth is a savory pancake made from a multigrain flour mix that includes ingredients like wheat, rice, besan (gram flour), and spices. It is typically served with curd (yogurt), pickle, or chutney.
Shrikhand
Shrikhand is a popular sweet dish made from strained yogurt mixed with sugar, saffron, and cardamom. It is often served chilled and enjoyed as a dessert.
Batata Bhaji
Batata Bhaji is a simple yet delicious Maharashtrian dish made with potatoes. It consists of boiled and mashed potatoes cooked with mustard seeds, turmeric, green chilies, and other spices. It is often served with puris (fried bread) or as a side dish with rice.
Sabudana Vada
Sabudana Vada is a popular snack made with soaked and drained tapioca pearls (sago), mashed potatoes, peanuts, green chilies, and spices. The mixture is shaped into patties and deep-fried until crispy. It is commonly consumed during religious fasting periods.
Kanda Pohe
Kanda Pohe is a classic Maharashtrian breakfast dish made with flattened rice (pohe), onions (kanda), mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, and other spices. It is a quick and flavorful dish that is often garnished with fresh coriander leaves, grated coconut, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Modak
Modak is a sweet dumpling that holds immense significance in Maharashtra, especially during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. It is made from rice flour or wheat flour dough and filled with a sweet mixture of jaggery, grated coconut, and sometimes flavored with cardamom or nutmeg. The dumplings are steamed or fried and are considered a favorite of Lord Ganesha.
Bharli Vangi
Bharli Vangi, also known as stuffed brinjal or baingan masala, is a flavorful Maharashtrian dish. Small brinjals are stuffed with a spicy mixture of roasted coconut, peanuts, sesame seeds, tamarind, and spices. The stuffed brinjals are then cooked until tender and served with rotis or rice.
Shrikhand
Shrikhand is a popular dessert made from strained yogurt (hung curd) that is sweetened with sugar and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and sometimes garnished with chopped nuts. It is a creamy and indulgent sweet dish often served chilled and enjoyed as a dessert or as part of festive meals.
Pithla Bhakri
Pithla Bhakri is a popular traditional dish in Maharashtra, especially in rural areas. It is a thick gram flour (besan) curry flavored with onions, garlic, turmeric, and other spices. It is served with Bhakri, which is a type of unleavened bread made from jowar (sorghum) or bajra (pearl millet) flour. This combination makes for a nutritious and hearty meal.
Kothimbir Vadi
Kothimbir Vadi is a savory snack made from fresh coriander leaves (kothimbir), gram flour, and spices. The mixture is steamed or fried until crisp and then cut into bite-sized pieces. Kothimbir Vadi is enjoyed as a tea-time snack or as an appetizer.
Matki Usal
Matki Usal is a popular Maharashtrian curry made with sprouted moth beans (matki). The sprouts are cooked with onions, tomatoes, spices, and sometimes grated coconut. It is a protein-rich and flavorful dish often served with pav (bread roll) or rice.
Kombdi Vade
Kombdi Vade is a traditional chicken curry dish from the coastal regions of Maharashtra. It consists of a spicy chicken curry made with a blend of traditional spices and coconut milk. It is often served with Vade, which are deep-fried bread made from a mixture of rice flour and lentil flour.
Ukadiche Modak
Ukadiche Modak is a steamed version of the popular Modak sweet. The dumplings are made from rice flour dough and filled with a sweet mixture of jaggery, coconut, and cardamom. It is a must-have during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and is considered a favorite of Lord Ganesha.
Bhakarwadi-Food of Maharashtra
Bhakarwadi is a crispy and spicy snack that comes in Maharashtra.
It consists of a spiral-shaped roll from a dough of gram flour and refined flour, stuffed with a mixture of spices, coconut, and sesame seeds.
The rolls are then deep-fry until golden brown.
Solkadhi-Food of Maharashtra
Solkadhi is a refreshing and tangy drink from coconut milk and kokum.
It is often good for digestion after a meal or served with spicy dishes to balance the flavors.
Solkadhi cooling properties and is popular in coastal Maharashtra.
Kanda Batata Poha-Food of Maharashtra
Kanda Batata Poha is a variation of the popular Poha dish.
It includes poha with onions (kanda) and potatoes (batata), along with mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric, and other spices.
It is a light and flavorful breakfast or snack option.
Conclusion
These are just a few more examples of the diverse and delicious food that Maharashtra has to offer.
The cuisine of Maharashtra showcases a unique blend of flavors, spices, and regional specialties, making it a culinary delight for food enthusiasts.
