Maharashtra has a lot to offer to food lovers, from Pav Bhaji to Modak, we only know a few of these delicious foods. Maharashtrian cuisine can be broadly classified into two styles- Konkan and Varadi. Konkan being from the coastal region has influences from Goan, Saraswat, Gaud and Malvani regions. Varadi cuisine, on the other hand, belongs to the Vidarbha region. Some spices like Goda Masala, Kokum, Tamarind and Coconut are essential ingredients in the Maharashtrian kitchen. Maharashtrian cuisine is considered to be very diverse as the flavours and spice levels differ in different parts of the state.
1. Zunka Bhakri
Zunka is an authentic maharashtrian delicacy which is slightly spicy but very satisfying, flavour and aroma. A basic Dish originated in Maharashtra. It is prepared with gram flour and is garnished with coriander leaves. It is a simple and easy dish in Maharashtrian cuisine. It is easy to make and loved by all over India.
2. Puran Poli
This delectable food item is a sweet version of the loving parantha. The stuffing is made from jaggery (gur), yellow gram (chana) dal, plain flour, cardamom powder and ghee (clarified butter). It is a popular dish in festive occasions and also can be eaten at any time of the day. A tasty dessert does not need anyone’s permission to be eaten!
3. Bharli Vangi
This is a popular style of cooking brinjals or baby brinjals stuffed with coconut, onion, jaggery, Marathi goda masala. Brinjal has never been anybody’s favourite vegetable per se. But this Maharashtra food dish has the capability to kick in life into this otherwise boring vegetable. This combination of ingredients does wonders to the brinjal.
4. Misal Pav
Misal Pav is quintessentially from Pune and is one of the most popular Maharashtrian breakfast, snack or even brunch. It is a street food popularly found in Mumbai. It has a spicy and tangy lentil curry which is made with moth beans and is served with Pav bread. At times, it is eaten with yoghurt to lessen the spice. Although it is a breakfast food but Maharashtrians enjoy it at time of the day. There are various types of Misal such as Puneri Missal (topped with poha), Nagpuri Missal, Kolhapuri Missal and Mumbai Missal which are very spicy.
5. Modak
Modak is a traditional sweet from Maharashtra. It is served as a prasad to Ganpati Bappa. A special Maharashtrian sweet loved all over the world. The sweet filling on the inner part of a modak consists of freshly grated coconut and jaggery while the outer shell is made out of rice flour and is very soft. The sweet flavour of coconut is mouth refreshing. It is easily made and has a sweet flavour. Best modak is found in Modha’s modak in Maharashtra.
6. Pandhra Rassa
A very famous Kolhapuri dish, has been evolved all over Maharashtra. At present you can see this dish topped on menus of nearly all hotels and restaurants, and is a must try option for non-vegetarians. Maharahtrians are a big fan of non-veg, so any recipe with it, would be the best. On special occasions and weddings, this is a compulsory dish for the people. Mutton is the main ingredient and the gravy is prepared pretty tempting and spicy with all famous Indian spices and herbs. One more specialty of this dish is the special type of masala that is Kolhapuri masala, with some important and well known spices and herbs.
7. Vada Pav
Vada Pav can easily be called the Indian version of a burger! The most famous dish not only in Maharashtra but all over India. Its name referring to the key ingredients: vada, or spicy mashed potatoes that are deep-fried in chickpea batter, and pav, or white bread rolls. It’s an all-day snack and is extremely popular among Maharashtrians. The vada pav lives in the heart Maharashtrian.
8. Aluvadi
Aluvadi is traditional Indian dish of Maharashtra. Basic ingredients are the same throughout the entire region- colocasia leaves stuffed (or chopped up) with a mixture of gram flour, rice flour, tamarind, jaggery, and various spices, while patrode variations differ only in shape (sliced rolls or dumplings) and the cooking method (steamed or fried). People mostly love it during tea time.
9. Pav Bhaji
Amchi Maharashtra food is incomplete without this dish which has come to be synonymous to the state! Fresh and thick slices of bread, smothered in butter served with a delicious mix of moderately spiced vegetables. This lip-smacking dish has won the heart of every Indian!
10. Thalipeeth
Thalipeeth is a most famous and a special dish of Maharashtra. Thalipeeth is a traditional dish of Maharashtra. It is made up of multi-grain flour and vegetables and is served with Ghee and Yogurt. A nutritious dish that contains vegetables. Virangula is a place where thalipeeth is best, the flavours are amazing and freshly served.
To all the non-Maharashtrian folks out there, try these amazing food and put a lot of spice in it like many people in Maharashtra do and enjoy these delicacies.