As Ganesh Chaturthi festivities sweeps the country, homes become busy with excitement and devotion to Lord Ganesha. This 10-day celebration is just apt to call for Lord Ganesha's blessings and to savour delicious food items. The festival has indeed become synonymous with mouthwatering sweets, traditional dishes, and creating thalis full of a balanced combination of savoury and sweet dishes. Get ready to make an authentic Maharashtrian thali this Ganesh Chaturthi that will surely impress your family and guests. From crispy appetizers to hearty main courses, a thali has something for everyone-and, of course, the most-expected modak. These Maharashtrian dishes involve no hassle in their preparation and are packed with flavour to promise a joyful time in the kitchen for one and all.
Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with these Maharashtrian Dishes:
Modak
No Ganesh Chaturthi is complete without Modak, which is believed to be the beloved sweet of Lord Ganesha. Be it steam or fried modaks, the variants go endless; however, if time permits, then Kesar Mawa Modak may be prepared without much hassle. These quick and easy modaks are rich in texture and infused with the aromatic flavours of saffron and cardamom. These would definitely be an instant hit at your place among family and guests, bringing a sweet closing to the festive thali.
Kothimbir Vadi
Begin the Ganesh Chaturthi feast with a crispy, flavorful appetizer like Kothimbir Vadi. The most popular Maharashtrian snack is prepared from fresh coriander leaves, which in Marathi are called kothimbir and gram flour, steaming them before frying to attain the crispy exterior. Mixed herbs and spices keep it always in demand because of the soft interior. A perfect snack to start your meal. You can serve it with chutneys if you need an added kick of taste.
Bharli Vangi
Bharli Vangi or the stuffed brinjal is a common fare in most Maharashtrian households. Small eggplants are stuffed with a spicy, tangy mixture of coconut, groundnuts, and spices, and then simmered till tender. The result is bursting with strong flavours, making it a satisfying main course for your thali. Serve this with chapati or bhakri for the experience. If you try Bharli Vangi once, it may become one of those dishes that would keep finding their way to your kitchen, especially during festive occasions.
Takatla Palak
To give a twist to traditional kadhi, one can always try Takatla Palak. A spinach-based preparation, it is a mouth-watering alternative to the conventional kadhi served in Maharashtrian households. With the creaminess of yogurt blended with the earthy flavours of spinach, it is light and tangy and balances the heavier elements of your Ganesh Chaturthi thali. It tastes very good with rice or chapati, which makes it an apt accompaniment to your festive fare.
Matki Chi Usal
Usal is the quintessential Maharashtra preparation made from sprouted beans, and amongst them, the most favored one happens to be the moth bean curry or Matki Chi Usal. This particular curry adds a traditional touch to your thali and presents one of the very nutritious and protein-packed elements. Cooked with coconut, green chilies, and also in an ensemble of spices, Matki Chi Usal has this pretty delicious, slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with soft rotis or rice.
Ghavan
If you want something other than the regular puris or chapatis, try serving Ghavan-a rice-based pancake that comes soft, light, and fairly similar to the South Indian neer dosa. Ghavan is light, gluten-free food that simply sops up all the flavors you combine it with-be it Takatla Palak, Bharli Vangi, or Usal. This delicacy is perfect to add a little variation in your thali and can be prepared fast using basic ingredients.
Varan Bhaat
This soothing dish, the Varan Bhaat, is a must in any typical Maharashtrian thali. A simple yet flavourful combination of dal and rice, it balances the meal. The lentil preparation of Varan is mildly spicy with ghee seasoning that makes it soothing enough with the richer items present in your spread. It is essential to balance the complexity of all the flavors coming in your thali and comforting enough on any festive day.