Maharashtrian rural spread thali/ Indian meal menu

This is my favorite meal spread especially when we are on road trip or visiting the interiors of  maharashtra. Each sector in the state has its own version and approach to make the state's staple food.
For people based in mumbai, you would be aware of the Zunka Bhakri centres which was essentially created to support economically lower classes to have a hearty meal at the cheapest price. When it was launched it costed around a rupee per plate. It ofcourse fizzled out and most centres are not providing vadapavs and misals. The point to make however is that this combination has been recognized has a full filling meal that provides sufficient nutrition for the day.
The best tasting platter was when we ate it in a small hut outside Siddhatek(1 of the 8 asthavinayak location) served on hand, straight from the choola (wood fire stove). 


This time for a family of 2 people I have created few dishes. But I think it captures the essence of Indian food and is complete meal in terms of nutrition, texture and variety.


Bhakri (Millet + Rice flour flat bread)
Bharli Vangi - Spicy stuffed brinjals
Masala Bhat - Spiced rice with gherkins and cashewnuts
Mattha - Spiced and tempered buttermilk
Thecha - Ground green chilli and garlic chutney 




Bhakri - I did not eat bhakri as a kid. I cannot get enough of it when it is made at home now. It requires a bit of skill to roll it flat using the palms.
In maharashtra it is made using Jowar, Rice, Nachni, Bajra. Sometimes a combination of few of the above. This bread does not use any oil and yet is deliciously crispy on the outside and soft within. In most houses, it is enjoyed a day after it is made to get the maximum flavor.
Read about the step by step instructions to make it perfect. 


Bharli Vangi
I have very high regards for this recipe and consider it to be a festive food. It is a tad lengthy process but this has never failed to impress. Again each sector in maharashtra has a different way of making it but essentially it is a spicy preparation. Even the brinjal haters prefer to eat this for the masala or stuffing.
Read the recipe here


Masala Bhat- Again a dish that is underrated for the amount of flavors it packs. I have this view in general about maharashtrian cuisine. The rant for it in a dedicated post some day.


Mattha -  this is a spicy tangy preparation of buttermilk. It is usually accompanied with the sweet. The most popular accompaniment is jalebi with mattha. However, boondi laadoo is also a favorite food to go with it as it is served in traditional wedding dish. 
Preparation and ingredients
1 cup curd (or 3 cups buttermilk)
1/2 inch ginger grated
1 green chilly finely chopped
1/2 tspn cumin seeds powder
1/2 tspn cumin seeds
few sprigs of Curry leaves
a pinch of asafoetida(optional)
1 tspn oil/ ghee
salt to taste
Method
1)Beat the curd with 2 -3 cups of water to get thin consistency buttermilk. Add water to buttermilk if you are using it. The consistency should be thinner than milk.
2) Add the grated ginger, cumin seeds and green chillies and mix well.
3) In a tempering pan, heat the oil, add the cumin seeds, asafoetida and curry leaves.
4) Pour this on the buttermilk and stir well.
5) This tends to get sour and is expected to be that way. Ideally should be kept outside in a cool dry place and prepared few hours before consuming to get the best taste.


Thecha - most common chutney or accompaniment in maharashtrian household. It also has many variants. The most popular and simplest one is as mentioned below.


Ingredients
3-4 green chillies
4-5 garlic cloves
salt to taste
1 tbsp Oil
Coriander, Spring onions, roasted peanut powder (optional)
Method
1) In a pan heat the oil and add the green chillies, fry them till they are pale and crispy.
2) Crush them using a mortar along with salt and garlic.
Use as a spread or to eat just on its own. Goes well with bhakri




Comments

Nisha said…
beautiful Thali
Spicy-Aroma said…
wow..khup divas zale g ashi thali pahun..drooling here..wonderful post!! :)
Spicy-Aroma
Santosh Bangar said…
delicious and healthy thali for lunch
Priya Suresh said…
Its been a while am planning to do the bharli vangi, urs makes me drool..Again a fabulous thali Pradnya..
Delicious Platter, Love that Bharli Vangi, mouth-watering!!!!
Srivalli said…
Wow wonderful thali. I love those rustic meal you get along the villages, most authentic and represents India in a different level. Masala Bhat looks yum...will wait for a post on this..hopefully with the recipe..
Chef Mireille said…
I am a brinjal hater, but I love learning about all the regional differences by all the thalis.
BTW, your photos are looking much clearer..good job!!!
Kanan said…
this is fantastic,. I love bhakri most from this thali
Archana said…
Drooling here. This is one of my favourite thalis.
Harini R said…
love the bhakri..I would definitely want to make that. Great platter.
Archana Vivek said…
Beautiful recipes
Unknown said…
Ohh wow When ever I go to shridhi I make sure to have a thali like this and love that green chilli chutney and bhakri
vidhas said…
Love the spread, Pradnya. New recipes and great clicks,
vidhas said…
Love the spread, Pradnya. New recipes and great clicks,
Jayashree said…
Delicious thali. I am very fond of stuffed brinjals and am always on the look out for new recipes for the stuffing.
Priya dharshini said…
Great thali...I am a big fan of this kind of thali..
preeti garg said…
awesome thali


visit @my blog for my ongoing event in ur free time
Ongoing Event--Jump'N Jive @ Icypritz
Jayanthi said…
Very nice Thaali Pradnya, love to know few Maharashtrian dishes. Super!!!
lovely Thali!.can imagine the taste.......must be really really good.
maha
R said…
i simply love this rustic thali!! delicious stuff!
divyagcp said…
I love brinjal.. Your Bharli Vangi scores.. Delcious Thali..

Divya's Culinary Journey
My first event-Showcase
Pradnya..I love Mahrashtrian food..always go to ASWAD in Mumbai...but now I know where to go...lovely platter.
Gayathri Kumar said…
Maharashtrian thali looks very inviting...
Usha said…
Enjoyed reading about Maharashtrian food. The thali is delicious and the dish that really made my mouth water is Thecha. I love anything with green chilies
Looks yum and delicious.
Aarthi said…
what a beautiful maharastrian thali...yum yum
Rajani S said…
You know what, I am bookmarking all the thalis, so that sometime later I can cook all these at leisure :)

Nice spread!
Padmajha said…
Love these kind of rustic meals. Looking forward to the masala bhath recipe :)
Rasi said…
this is a simple & very delicious spread.. have heard of some dishes individually! didn't know they served this anywhere.. should try..

Ongoing Event : WTML
Suma Gandlur said…
Have to try bhakris from your blog. And love masale bhath.

Popular Posts