7 Uniquely Maharashtrian Winter Dishes You Should Try This Season

Winer in India can come in many forms. For those down in Kerala, it means eyeing people in Delhi and Kolkata wrapping up in scarves and jackets with some envy, and for people in Mumbai it means whipping out that old conversation starter of “Bombay doesn’t even have a winter yaar”. But despite the extreme differences we go through in terms of temperature, every state has its unique winter dishes that make an appearance to celebrate the end of the year in style.

During the winter season in Maharashtra, the cuisine takes on a comforting and warming character. The local culinary traditions embrace a variety of dishes that cater to the desire for both flavour and warmth. These dishes often incorporate a blend of spices and regional ingredients to create a delightful symphony of tastes and aromas, making the winter dining experience truly memorable. 

Here are 7 winter dishes from Maharashtra that you can try:

1. Gajarache Lonche:

Making pickles is a common practice during the summer, especially when mangoes are in season. However, the best crops of seasonal carrots are available in winter, so this is a winter recipe. It's an instant pickle with a spicy and crunchy texture, offering a delightful taste on your palate.

2. Jwariche Dhirde:

Jowar is one of the most beloved grains in Maharashtrian cuisine and helps to bulk out meals making them more fulfilling in the colder months. Dhirde is a traditional Marathi bread, similar to dosa, but thicker and made with jowar and sometimes sorghum instead of rice. To make it a proper winter speciality, add spinach as the star ingredient which is abundantly available in winter. 

Also Read: 10 Indian Winter Vegetables That Are Now In Season

3. Suranachi Bhaji:

A true winter crop, suran or elephant foot yam is a delicacy and takes great skill to cook. Suranachi Bhajji is a Maharashtrian snack that is a winter speciality and features pieces of yam cooked until tender into a delicious spicy gravy These are hearty, delicious and healthy meal you can make without much hassle.

4. Mulyache Varan:

Radish, Mooli, or Mulyache as its known in Marathi is often overlooked in winter, and finds a place in this delectable dal. It's simple and flavourful, perfect to pair with bhaat (rice) and a pickle and offers a warm option for your meals.

5. Vangyachi Bharit:

Baingan (or eggplant) is available through the year in most places, but this comfort food is especially loved in winter. Vangi Bharit is the Marathi version of the famous baingan ka bharta, made with roasted eggplants. Large aubergines available in winter are used to create this delightful dish, perfect to enjoy with phulkas, chapati, or traditional jowar roti or bajra bhakri.

6. Hurda:

Known as Ponkh (or Ponk) in some parts of the country, hurda is tender, light-green round jowar (sorghum) grains that are roasted over open coals for a unique flavor. And easy and delightful snack food, they are freshly roasted and served with sugarcane juice or buttermilk, providing a pleasant experience during chilly evenings.

7. Popti:

Made in the northern regions of Konkan in a clay pot similar to a tandoor, Popti is a one-pot dish made with seasonal vegetables, tubers, beans, local spices, and optionally chicken and eggs. Field beans, known as vaal beans in western India, take the spotlight in this dish. It’s often a dish cooked in bulk and people are known to have ‘popti parties’ around a bonfire.