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Makar Sankranti, to be celebrated on January 14, 2025, is the harvest festival celebrated across India by different names. Also called Uttarayana, it marks the transition of the sun from Sagittarius to Capricorn. From this point on, days start to become longer than nights.
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The harvest festival brings communities together for celebrations comprising dancing, bonfires, singing, and kite flying. The festival is also celebrated in Maharashtra with utmost enthusiasm, especially by farmers. Check out savoury dishes prepared in the state.
Tilachi Chutney
Sesame seed chutney is popular in Maharashtra. It accompanies the main dishes on the plate and adds spicy flavour and crunch to the dining. The side dish is prepared by pounding dry roasted sesame seeds with garlic, red chillies, and salt. It can also be savoured with rice, bhakri, or other crunchy snacks. Til chutney is also associated with warmth in winter and a delicious taste.
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Bharli Vangi
One of the special savoury dishes prepared during Makar Sankranti celebrations in Maharashtra is bharli vangi (stuffed eggplants). A spiced mixture of roasted peanuts and sesame seeds along with a few spices and coconut is prepared. It is stuffed inside brinjals which are later shallow fried until done to perfection. This dish boasts earthy notes and a speciality of regional cuisine.
Til Poli
Sesame seeds are an integral part of the celebration of the harvest festival because of their healthy benefits, texture, and taste. Til poli is a flatbread with a savoury taste. A blend of garlic, sesame seeds, and spices is prepared, and it is stuffed in the dough to make this delightful yet fulfilling flatbread. It is often enjoyed with curd or chutney on the side.
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Zunka Bhakri
Zunka is a regional preparation in which a spicy blend of gram flour is stir-fried. It accompanies bhakri, a millet-based flatbread. This combination is considered comforting and provides warmth to the body. Since bhakri is made with jowar or bajra, it is a gluten-free addition to the festive spread. If you haven’t tried it, this is the perfect time to replicate its recipe in your kitchen and savour it in this weather.
Varan Bhaat
Varan bhaat is a popular Maharashtrian dish in which varan refers to dal and bhaat is rice. It is a comforting combination often served hot. Lentil is prepared with the tempering of cumin seeds, turmeric powder, jaggery, salt, and asafoetida. It is hearty and healthy; it teams impeccably with steamed rice. Celebration of Makar Sankranti is incomplete without this lip-smacking dish.
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Tilwale Batate
Batata is the most sought-after dish in Maharashtra. Batata vada, vada pav, ragda pattice, etc. have one thing in common - potatoes. To make tilwale batate, baby potatoes are first roasted and coated with spices, sesame seeds, and lemon juice. It is like chaat and served as a side dish.
Vegetable Bhaji
Makar Sankranti is a winter festival which cannot be celebrated without including seasonal vegetables. This bhaji recipe is a fresh mix of beans, carrots, peas, and leafy greens. Green chillies, coconut, and spices are added for the oomph and a burst of flavour. It can be paired with rice or flatbreads.
