7 must-try Maharashtrian dishes

Maharashtra is known throughout the country for its spicy and tangy cuisine. The food here consists of a lot of spices and some of the most important dishes here consist of wheat, lentils, rice, jowar and bajra. Beautifully savoury in quality and extremely varied, Maharashtrian cuisine is something that is sure to tingle your tastebuds. Apart from the obvious dishes like puranpoli and missal pav, there are tons of other delectable dishes that make up Maharashtrian cuisine! Here’s a list of 7 must-try Maharashtrian dishes

Zunka Bhakar:

First in the list of 7 must-try Maharashtrian dishes is this dish traditionally made with chickpeas or besan paste cooked with onions, ginger-garlic paste, curry leaves, cumin and mustard seeds, Zunka is a spicy, aromatic preparation best eaten with hot jowar or bajra rotis. There are tons of establishments selling Zunka Bhakar in Mumbai, so it won’t be too hard to find!

Bharli vangi:

A spicy preparation of aubergines stuffed with coconut and lovely spices, Bharli Vangi is delicious no matter when you eat it. This spicy gravy of stuffed eggplants is a great way to make a boring weekend lunch more exciting and yummy!

Aluvadi:

Made of spinach or colocasia leaves, these deep fried, spicy sweet cakes is perfect for an evening snack. Nibble on these delicious pieces of paradise with a cup of hot ginger tea for the best way to unwind after a hard day at work.

Sabudana vada:

Known for being everyone’s favourite fasting snack, these stuffed sago cakes are popular with both young and old. Light and delicious, these snacks will fill you right up without being too heavy and overkill.

Sol kadhi:

This baby pink curry is amazing to be had with rice but can also be had all on its own after meals. Popular in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Sol kadhi is made from coconut milk and kokum and is known for its digestive properties.

Varan bhaath:

The best way to eat this subtly flavourful dish is by pouring a bit of homemade ghee on top. The yellow curry is made of toor dal and is a light but filling concoction had with rice. Best had in summers and monsoons, Varan bhaath is considered by many as comfort food.

Kombdi vade:

Last but not least in the list of 7 must-try Maharashtrian dishes is Kombdi vade. Most famous in the Konkan region, Kombdi vade is now becoming extremely famous in Mumbai too. Consisting of a traditional chicken curry and fluffy fried cakes made of rice flour, Kombdi vade is the best way to satisfy your Maharashtrian non-vegetarian food craving!

Which of these sumptuous dishes have you tried? Which other Maharashtrian dish would you add to this list?