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Maharashtrian winter dishes are built on a foundation of simple, seasonal ingredients that provide warmth, nourishment, and a deep connection to tradition. The use of millets, jaggery, sesame seeds, and winter greens not only aligns with the season but also reflects an age-old understanding of the body’s nutritional needs during colder weather. Each dish, from hearty pithla to the festive gulachi poli, embodies the love and warmth of home-cooked food and highlights the rich culinary heritage of Maharashtra.
These dishes are more than just food; they are an experience—an invitation to gather around a table with family and friends, share stories, and create memories. The flavours are bold, the ingredients hearty, and the recipes passed down through generations, keeping the spirit of tradition alive with every bite.
Video Credit: Smita Deo
Meals during this season often feature a balance of flavours, combining the earthy, nutty notes of grains with the subtle sweetness of jaggery and the heat of spices. The dishes are designed to provide energy and help the body combat the cold, incorporating nutrient-rich elements such as legumes, green leafy vegetables, and root vegetables. Whether savoury or sweet, these meals emphasize the region's dedication to wholesome, seasonal cooking.
Bajra Bhakri with Thecha
Bajra (pearl millet) is a staple during winter because of its warming properties. Bajra Bhakri, a rustic flatbread made from pearl millet flour, is dense, nutritious, and provides the body with much-needed warmth and energy during colder months. It is typically served with thecha, a fiery condiment made with crushed green chillies, garlic, and salt. The combination of the soft bhakri with the spicy, tangy thecha creates a meal that’s hearty and full of flavour.
Tilgul Ladoo
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Tilgul ladoos are sweet, round balls made from sesame seeds and jaggery and are particularly enjoyed during the Makar Sankranti festival. Sesame seeds are known for their warming properties and nutritional benefits, including healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. The jaggery adds a rich sweetness and is a natural source of iron and energy, making these ladoos delicious and perfect for combating winter chills.
Pithla with Rice or Bhakri
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Pithla is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that’s often called a “poor man’s curry” because of its simple and hearty nature. Made from gram flour (besan) and spiced with turmeric, green chillies, and garlic, pithla is cooked until it reaches a thick, porridge-like consistency. It is usually enjoyed with bhakri or steamed rice, creating a satisfying meal. The warmth of the spices and the comforting texture of pithla makes it ideal for winter evenings.
Bharli Vangi (Stuffed Eggplant)
Bharli vangi is a popular dish in Maharashtra that involves small eggplants stuffed with a mixture of roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, grated coconut, and traditional spices. The stuffed eggplants are cooked in a rich, aromatic gravy that pairs perfectly with jowar bhakri or chapati. This dish is both nutritious and flavourful, with the spices and the warmth of the peanuts and sesame seeds making it a go-to for chilly winter meals.
Gulachi Poli
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Gulachi poli is a sweet flatbread stuffed with a filling of jaggery and sesame seeds or coconut, spiced with cardamom. This dish is often prepared during Makar Sankranti as a celebratory treat. The use of jaggery provides natural sweetness and energy, while the cardamom adds a fragrant warmth. This comforting dish is enjoyed on cold mornings or as an evening snack with a warm glass of milk.
Hurda
Hurda or ponkh is a special winter delicacy made from tender, freshly harvested green jowar (sorghum). The young, roasted grains have a sweet, nutty flavour and are often served with spicy chutneys, yoghurt, and jaggery. This seasonal treat is enjoyed as a social gathering dish and celebrates the harvest season. Hurda parties, where friends and family gather to share this warm snack, are a cherished winter tradition in Maharashtra.
Bhogichi Bhaji
Bhogichi bhaji is a mixed vegetable curry traditionally prepared the day before Makar Sankranti. It includes a mix of winter vegetables such as carrots, green beans, eggplant, and fresh green gram (chana). The dish is cooked with peanuts, sesame seeds, and a hint of coconut, creating a delicious and nutrient-rich preparation. Bhogichi bhaji reflects the bounty of winter produce and is typically served with bajra bhakri or jowar roti, making it a wholesome, warming meal.
