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Vidarbha, located in the eastern part of Maharashtra, is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and, most importantly, its vibrant cuisine. The food of Vidarbha is a blend of traditional flavours and ingredients that are both hearty and flavourful. The region is famous for its use of locally grown grains, pulses, and fresh vegetables, making the dishes both nutritious and satisfying.
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From spicy curries to rich sweets, Vidarbha's culinary traditions offer a unique taste experience that reflects the region’s history and lifestyle. If you are ever in Maharashtra, these are some must-try foods from Vidarbha that will give you a true taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Kadhi Gole
Kadhi gole is a beloved dish from Vidarbha, combining small, round dumplings (gole) made from chickpea flour with a tangy yogurt-based curry. The curry is seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and other spices, giving it a rich and aromatic flavour. The soft, fluffy dumplings absorb the tangy curry, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. Kadhi gole is typically served with rice, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal.
Puran Poli
Puran poli is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet flatbread that is a favourite in Vidarbha, especially during festivals like Gudi Padwa and Ganesh Chaturthi. The dough for Puran Poli is made from wheat flour and filled with a mixture of jaggery, chana dal (split chickpeas), and cardamom. The stuffed dough is rolled into flatbreads and cooked until golden brown. Puran poli is typically served with ghee and enjoyed as a dessert or a special treat during festive occasions.
Bharda Bhaat
Bharda bhaat is a popular one-pot meal in Vidarbha, perfect for those who enjoy a comforting and filling dish. The dish is made by cooking rice with Bharda, which are dumplings made from besan (chickpea flour) and flavoured with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The soft, savoury dumplings are cooked along with the rice, allowing the flavours to blend perfectly. Bharda bhaat is a flavourful and wholesome meal, often enjoyed with a side of chutney or yoghurt.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Bhakari
Bhakari is a type of flatbread that holds an important place in Vidarbha’s food culture. It can be made from various grains like jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), or wheat. The bread is thick, round, and slightly chewy, making it the perfect accompaniment to a variety of vegetable or meat dishes. In Vidarbha, bhakari is often served with spicy dishes like zunka or pithala, or even with chutneys, making it a versatile and essential part of the daily meal.
Pithala
Pithala is another gram flour-based dish from Vidarbha that is simple yet full of flavour. To prepare pithala, gram flour is mixed with water to form a smooth paste, which is then cooked with spices like turmeric, cumin, mustard seeds, and chilli powder. The dish is often enriched with ghee, making it rich and aromatic. Pithala is best enjoyed with bhakari or rice and is a common staple in rural Vidarbhi kitchens.
Zunka
Zunka is a spicy, flavourful dish made from gram flour (besan), which is stir-fried with onions, mustard seeds, garlic, ginger, and green chillies. The dish has a crumbly texture and a bold flavour that is both spicy and savoury. Zunka is typically served with bhakari, making it a satisfying combination. This dish is often prepared in rural Vidarbha homes and is loved for its simplicity and taste.
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Bharli Vaangi
Bharli vaangi is a dish made with stuffed eggplants, a favourite in Vidarbha’s cuisine. The eggplants are filled with a savoury mixture of roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, and a variety of spices. After stuffing, the eggplants are cooked in a tangy, spicy gravy, making the dish rich and flavourful. Bharli vaangi is typically served with rice or Bhakari and is a great way to enjoy the flavours of roasted peanuts and spices in a single dish.
Mutton Thalipeeth
Thalipeeth is a popular multigrain flatbread from Maharashtra, and in Vidarbha, a special variation called mutton thalipeeth is a must-try. This version is made by combining finely minced mutton with the dough and mixing it with a variety of spices. The result is a rich, flavourful flatbread with a hearty taste. Mutton thalipeeth is often served with chutney or curd and is enjoyed as a complete meal.
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Patodi Rassa Bhaji
Patodi rassa bhaji is a spicy curry made from gram flour cakes (patodi). These steamed cakes are cooked in a flavourful, tangy gravy made with tomatoes, onions, and various spices. The combination of soft, steamed gram flour cakes with a rich curry creates a satisfying and unique texture. Patodi rassa bhaji is usually served with rice or Bhakari, making it a hearty meal.
