Maharashtrian cuisine can be broadly classified into two styles- Konkan and Varadi. Konkan(West Maharashtra) being from the coastal region has influences on the cuisines from Goan and Malvani regions. Varadi cuisine, on the other hand, belongs to the Vidarbha region (East Maharashtra) and thus has the influences from the Vidarbha’s cuisine.
Above all, Maharashtrian cuisine includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Both kinds of cuisine are equally delicious and nutrious. A note to make that Maharashtrian cuisine only includes fish, chicken and mutton (lamb meat) in their non-vegetarian cuisine.
So without any further delay, let’s have a look at the popular Maharastrian cuisine!
1. Pithla Bhakri
Pithla is a spicy gram flour curry from the Maharashtrian cuisine in India. It is served with traditional bread called Bhakri made from Jowar and Bajra and spicy garlic chutney for a complete meal. Cooked mainly with onions and gram flour, it is also popularly known as Kanda Besan.
2. Bombil thaali and other Fish set meal
It is a must fish cuisine to try if you visit Mumbai. Bombil also known as Bombay duck is only found in the sea near Mumbai which makes the fish to derive its name from the city. Bombil thaali or other fish set meal usually consists of Chapati or Bhakri which is the traditional bread made from wheat or rice, mouth-watering fried pieces of Bombil, fish curry, dry vegetable curry, chutney made from coconut, garlic and coriander, rice and Sol kadhi which is a digestive beverage made from coconut milk and kokum to be consumed after the meal.
Photo: Bombil thaali
Photo: Pomfret thaali
3. Bharli Vangi
Bharli Vangi is a traditional Maharashtrian curry made by cooking small egg plants (brinjals). The brinjals are stuffed with a fresh spicy mixture of sesame seeds, baked peanuts, coriander, onion and poppy seeds. You can opt to have this curry with traditional breads like Chapati or Bhakri.
4. Malwani Chicken Curry
Malvani Chicken Curry is a spicy and flavourful chicken curry from Malvan which lies in the coastal region of Maharashtra. It is made with aromatic Malvani spices and lots of coconut. This curry goes very well with traditional breads like Chapati or Bhakri or rice. A perfect chicken curry for all the spice and chicken lovers out there!
5. Veg Kolhapuri
If you are an ardent spicy food lover, then Veg Kolhapuri is an ultimate option for you. Hailing from the city of Kolhapur, it consists of mixed vegetables like french beans, carrot, potato, green peas, capsicum, tomato, onion etc. in thick, spiced gravy. You can opt to have this curry with traditional breads like Chapati or Bhakri.
6. Kolambi bhaat
Kolambi bhaat is a Marathi-Goan style rice preparation made using shrimps, spices, coconut milk and Basmati rice. This delicious Maharashtrian one-pot meal is one of the most savoured sea food dishes.
7. Puri bhaji
Puri is deep-fat fried bread made from wheat flour and bhaji is a dry potato curry using spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, green chillies etc. The spices and condiments in this signature dish vary from region to region.
8. Chicken Biryani
Biryani is a mixed rice dish with its origins among the Muslims of India. It is a savory chicken and rice dish that includes layers of chicken, rice, nuts and aromatics that are steamed together. The bottom layer of rice absorbs all the chicken juices as it cooks, giving it a tender texture and rich flavor, while the top layer of rice turns out white and fluffy.
9. Masale bhaat
Masale bhaat is traditional Maharashtrian vegetarian rice which makes a great one pot meal and is made with a variety of vegetables and a warm blend of spices. It is often served with Raita, a cooling yogurt side dish. Masale bhaat is sure to awaken your taste buds.
10. Pandhra rassa and Tambda rassa
These are the famous curries from the city of Kolhapur. Pandhra rassa refers to the white curry made with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, coconut cooked with mutton stock. Tambda rassa refers to the red spicy curry made with red chillies, ginger, garlic, coconut and other spices cooked with mutton pieces. You can opt to have this curry with traditional breads like Chapati or rice. If you are looking for spice quotient in your meal, these curries will provide a best option for you!
If you happen to get a chance to have Maharashtrian food, these are some of my recommendations.
I hope you enjoy them. Also, if you have tried any of these foods before let me know about them in the comments.
See you! Enjoy!
Comments