5 Mouthwatering Maharashtrian Recipes To Try Today

Maharashtrian cuisine is renowned for its rich flavours, vibrant spices, and diverse culinary traditions. Among the staple ingredients in Maharashtrian cooking, besan, or chickpea flour, holds a prominent place. This versatile ingredient adds a unique texture and taste to dishes, making them both delicious and nutritious. In this article, we'll explore five delightful Maharashtrian recipes that showcase the versatility of besan, offering a blend of tradition and innovation to tantalise your taste buds.

1. Besan Chilla

Ingredients

• Besan (Chickpea Flour)
• Finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, and coriander leaves
• Spices: Turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin seeds, salt
• Oil for cooking

Method

• In a bowl, mix besan with water to form a smooth batter.
• Add chopped vegetables, spices, and salt to the batter and mix well.
• Heat a non-stick pan and pour a ladleful of batter onto it, spreading it evenly to form a thin pancake.
• Drizzle oil around the edges and cook until golden brown on both sides.
• Serve hot with chutney or yoghurt.

2. Besan Pitla

Ingredients

• Besan (Chickpea Flour)
• Water
• Finely chopped onions, green chillies, and coriander leaves
• Spices: Mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, turmeric, salt
• Oil for tempering

Method

• Mix besan with water to form a smooth, lump-free slurry.
• Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and asafoetida for tempering.
• Add chopped onions and green chillies, sauté until translucent.
• Pour the besan slurry into the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
• Add turmeric and salt, simmer until the mixture thickens to a porridge-like consistency.
• Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with bhakri or rice.

3. Besan Ladoo

Ingredients

• Besan (Chickpea Flour)
• Ghee (Clarified Butter)
• Powdered sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)

Method

• Roast besan in ghee on low heat until golden brown and aromatic.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• Add powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and chopped nuts to the roasted besan.
• Mix well and shape into small round balls (ladoos) while still warm.
• Allow the ladoos to cool completely before serving.
  
  

4. Kothimbir Vadi

Ingredients

• Besan (Chickpea Flour)
• Fresh coriander leaves (kothimbir), finely chopped
• Ginger-garlic paste
• Spices: Turmeric, red chilli powder, cumin seeds, coriander powder, salt
• Oil for frying

Method

• Mix besan, chopped coriander leaves, ginger-garlic paste, spices, and salt in a bowl to form a dough.
• Roll out the dough into a thin layer and cut into square or diamond shapes.
• Heat oil in a pan and fry the pieces until golden brown and crisp.
• Serve hot with green chutney or tomato ketchup.

5. Besan Kadhi

Ingredients

• Besan (Chickpea Flour)
• Yoghurt
• Water
• Spices: Turmeric, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chillies, asafoetida, salt
• Curry leaves and coriander leaves for garnish

Method

• Whisk besan, yoghurt, and water together to form a smooth mixture.
• Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chillies, and asafoetida for tempering.
• Pour the besan-yoghurt mixture into the pan, stirring continuously.
• Add turmeric and salt, simmer until the kadhi thickens.
• Garnish with curry leaves and coriander leaves before serving with rice or chapati.

Try these delectable Maharashtrian recipes using besan to experience the rich flavours and culinary heritage of Maharashtra. Whether you're craving a savoury snack or a sweet treat, besan offers endless possibilities to elevate your culinary creations.