7 Maharashtrian Rice-Based Dishes That You Must Try

By Krati Purwar

April 27, 2024

Maharashtrian cuisine is known for its rich flavour, spicy notes, and comforting nature. If you want to cook rice in a different way or include delicious rice-based dishes in your diet, Maharashtrian cuisine is the way forward. Here are some popular dishes that you must try in your lifetime.

Masale Bhaat

To prepare this dish, rice grains are cooked in vegetables, spices, and lentils. Many people find it quite similar to biryani but equally satisfying.

Kolhapuri Bhaat

In the Kolhapur region of Maharashtra, rice is prepared in a spicy mixture comprising coconut, red chillies, and other spices. It is often served with raita.

Varan Bhaat

Varan bhaat is less of a dish and more of a meal. Varan is a Maharashtrian dal preparation that is paired with plain rice and added ghee on top.

Matki Bhaat

To prepare matki bhaat, you need to cook rice with moth beans in a melange of spices, tomatoes, and onions. It is relished with curd. 

Tambda Rassa Bhaat

When steamed rice is served with a spicy red curry of either chicken or mutton, the meal is called tambda rassa bhaat. 

Bhaat Poha

Instead of rice, you take flattened rice to cook this dish. Poha is combined with potatoes, onions, and peanuts and cooked in a few spices.

Narali Bhaat

Narali bhaat is a sweet preparation of rice in which the grains are cooked in jaggery, coconut, and other fragrant spices.