By Aishwarya Sahasrabudhe
August 7, 2023
Image Credit: Vanita's Corner
Sawan Somwar means vrat day for many who follow abstinence from certain foods during the monsoon month. Here are some tips to make a simple bhagar out of sama rice or varai, which is a nourishing meal to enjoy on fasting day.
Make bhagar or varyache tandul in clarified butter or homemade ghee instead of oil to give it a rich, dense flavour and to fulfil your requirement of healthy fats.
Instead of adding boiled potatoes which are higher in calorific content, add chopped cucumber which is rich in water, once the barnyard millet is cooked.
If you are having plain bhagar, make sure you add more water for a slightly liquid consistency. This will create a pez you can relish on vrat days.
Instead of opting for a pressure cooker, make bhagar in a pan especially if you want to eat it as a rice pez. This will enable you to adjust the quantity of water as required.
Some home cooks prefer to dry-roast varai before making bhagar to bring out the flavour of this complex carbohydrate. This also enhances the distinctly earthy taste of varai.
The taste of crushed groundnuts in bhagar elevates the flavour of this dish to a whole other level. Add crushed groundnuts in abundance for giving bhagar a rich texture.
If you are making bhagar to be enjoyed as a one-dish meal, season it with cumin and curry leaves for a delicious flavour. This pez can be savoured without peanut amti too!
Bhagar can turn into a mushy clump if it gets overcooked. Keep the stove on a low flame to monitor the heat and reduce the risk of the rice sticking to the bottom of the pan.