Marathi cuisine is a diverse sub-cuisine of India. It is also known as Maharashtrian cuisine as it revolves around the food culture of Maharashtra state. The Marathi food is rich in flavors varying from mild to extremely spicy dishes. Peanut and coconuts is a prominent feature of Marathi recipes. Puran poli, batata wada and Modak are some of the popular and delectable Marathi recipes.
Marathi cuisine offers a large variety of seafood preparations which have a blend of traditional and contemporary taste. Rice, wheat, vegetables and spices are the major constituents of Marathi food.
Historical And Cultural Influences On Marathi Food
Marathi food is influenced by the various regions of Maharashtra and neighboring states. The preparation of food in this cuisine is quite similar to those of North Indian states; however, the spices like tamarind, kokum and coconut are some of the influences from South. Besides, every region in the state is known for its own food variations. The coastline of Maharashtra is known as Konkan and this region has a blend of Malvani, Goan and Gaud Saraswat cuisine. Similarly, the food in the interiors of the state has its own variations.
Ingredients Commonly Used In Marathi Recipes
The Marathi recipes make a large use of seasonal vegetables ranging from onions to egg plants. Fish is majorly brought into use while cooking Marathi foods. Coconut, in the form of coconut milk and grated coconut are often used in various dishes of this cuisine. Peanut oil is the main cooking medium and peanuts and cashew nuts form an indispensable part of dishes here. Jaggery and tamarind provide the vegetables a unique sweet and sour taste and thus are the two commonly used ingredients of Marathi foods. Besides, a purple color sour berry, called kokum is also extensively used in cooking.
Cooking Methods Adopted by Marathi cuisine
There is a systematic planning followed by Marathi chefs while cooking. The cooking style observes less usage of oil and the vegetables are preferably steamed. Deep frying is avoided and the seasoning is kept to minimum in Marathi foods.
Traditional Marathi recipes
· Pachadi- This dish is made by cooking brinjals with green mangoes. This dish is sweet and sour in taste and is usually served with coconut and jaggery.
· Pitla Bhakri- It is one of the rural dishes of Maharashtra. It consist of a pasty made of pulse and is relished with a Marathi bread called bhakri.
· Festive And Special Marathi Recipes
· Puranpoli- it is a sweet delicacy of Maharashtra. The dish consists of stuffed sweet bread flavored with Indian spices.
· Shrikhand- it is a dish made of strained yogurt which is sweetened and flavored with cardamom, sugar and saffron. Smooth and creamy in texture, it is served chilled with garnishing of nuts.
· Popular Marathi Recipes
· Pohe- It is a popular snack item throughout India. The recipe makes use of flattened rice combined with vegetables and spices. Poha is usually eaten at breakfasts with tea or coffee.
· Bharli vangi- This Marathi food actually comprises of eggplants stuffed with a delicious and spicy mixture of peanuts and coconuts.
· Wada pav- This is an Indian version of sandwich made by burger bun called pav. Pav contains deep fried spicy potato mixture called vada. Vada pav is mostly accompanied with chutney and green chilies.