Varan bhaat is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that has been a staple food in many households for generations. It is a simple yet satisfying meal that is often prepared during festivals, weddings, and other auspicious occasions. The dish is made up of two parts: varan, which is a lentil-based soup, and bhaat, which is plain steamed rice.
The varan component of the dish is prepared using split pigeon peas, known as toor dal in Hindi. The dal is cooked until it becomes soft and mushy, and then seasoned with spices and garnished with chopped coriander leaves. The dish can be made with just a few ingredients, such as dal, salt, turmeric, cumin, and ghee. However, some variations of the recipe include the addition of garlic, ginger, green chillies, and other spices to enhance the flavour.
The bhaat component of the dish is prepared using plain steamed rice, which is cooked separately from the varan. The rice is typically washed and soaked for some time before cooking to ensure that it is fluffy and well-cooked. Once the rice is cooked, it is served on a plate or in a bowl along with the varan soup.
The dish is often accompanied by various condiments, such as pickles, papad, and yoghurt. The pickles are usually made from mangoes, lemons, or chillies and provide a tangy and spicy flavour to the dish. Papad, which is a thin, crispy Indian cracker, is made from lentils, rice flour, or chickpea flour and adds a crunchy texture to the meal. The yoghurt, on the other hand, is a cooling and refreshing addition to the dish, which helps to balance the spices in the varan.
The history of varan bhaat can be traced back to the Vedic period when lentils and rice were staple foods in India. Over time, different regions in India developed their own unique variations of the dish, each with its own distinct flavour and ingredients. In Maharashtra, varan bhaat became a popular dish during the Maratha Empire, which ruled the region from the 17th to the 19th century. The dish was often served to soldiers and commoners alike and was known for its filling and nourishing qualities.
Varan bhaat is not just a delicious and satisfying meal, but it also has numerous health benefits. The dish is a rich source of protein and fibre, which are essential for maintaining good health. Pigeon peas are also known to be low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates, which makes them an ideal food for weight management. The turmeric used in the recipe is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help boost immunity and prevent diseases.
Moreover, varan bhaat is a dish that is easy to prepare and can be made in large quantities to serve a crowd. The dish can also be easily customised to suit individual tastes and preferences. For instance, those who prefer a spicier dish can add more chillies or pepper to the varan, while those who prefer a milder flavour can skip the spices altogether.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup toor dal (split pigeon peas)
- 3 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
- 2-4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chillies, slit
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- A few curry leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
- Steamed rice for serving
Method:
- Rinse the toor daal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
- In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed toor dal, 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and pressure cook for about 3–4 whistles, or until the dal is soft and cooked through.
- Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and use a whisk or spoon to mash the dal to a smooth consistency.
- Heat a pan over medium heat and add ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Add chopped ginger, garlic, green chillies, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for a minute or two until the raw aroma of ginger and garlic goes away.
- Add the mashed dal to the pan and mix well. If the dal is too thick, add some water to adjust the consistency.
- Bring the dal to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is well combined and the flavours have blended.
- Add the chopped coriander leaves and mix well.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Varan bhaat is a wholesome and nutritious dish that's loved by many. It is a perfect example of how a simple and basic meal can be transformed into a delicious and satisfying dish with just a few ingredients. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a comforting meal, varan bhaat is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling nourished and content.