Gudhi Padwa : Start your New Year on a Sweet Note !!Â
Maharashtrian food is the perfect embodiment of sophistication through simplicity. Through easy elementary ingredients, the cuisine has always managed to bring forward a variety of spicy, namkeen and chatpata snacks. When it comes to sweets, it has been one of the most innovative cultures to produce easy-to-make yet wholly appetising dishes. Anyone who comes to Maharashtra is bound to take away a few recipes with them.
On this day, people install Gudhis – which means a flag (generally a saree, uparna, a cloth tied on a stick, garlanded with flowers, neem and mango leaves with an upturned vessel). It also marks the arrival of spring and harvesting season. Gudhi is believed to ward off evil, invite prosperity and good luck into the house. Also, Gudhi Padwa symbolises Lord Rama’s victory against Ravana and that the festival is celebrated to commemorate the coronation of Lord Ram, post his return to Ayodhya after completing 14 years of Vanvas (exile).
On the occasion of the Marathi New Year of Gudi Padwa approaching the 22nd of March, take a look at a few of the famous Maharashtrian delicacies for you to prepare and enjoy.
Kothimbir Vadi :
Who could have thought one could achieve such spicy deliciousness by frying leaf vegetables? Kothimbir Vadi are made of coriander and gram flour and are the perfect companion to your evening chai.
Puran Poli and Katachi Amti:
Filled with the goodness of gud (jaggery), Puran Poli is another healthy dish that has been a breakfast favourite among many generations. Called Holige in Kannada and Ubbati in Konkani, this is a sought-after snack in all parts of South India. Katachi Amti is a tangy, spicy Maharashtrian curry, made with Chana dal (bengal gram), dry coconut, tamarind pulp and garam masala powder.
It gently compliments the sweetness of Puran Poli. Many communities in Maharashtra also serve a bowl of hot milk and desi ghee. It is a ritual to dip roti in ghee in many Maharashtrian communities. And mind you, it is heavenly.
Shrikhand
A dessert is the best way to end a meal, and what better than sweetened yoghurt? Added with saffron and cardamom, Shrikhand is a treasured Marathi and Gujarati sweet dish which always finds its way during festivals. Shrikhand goes well with Wheat puris .
Many also like to relish Amrakhand (Mango Shrikhand).
Sabudana Vada
Any fritters are an absolute joy with the right chutney- but you can eat Sabudana Vade during fasts as well! Sabudana has been cited to be a good source of energy, and its vade are a quick and easy snack that make up a crunchy and filling meal.
Bhakarwadi
Another Gujarati and Marathi favourite, Bhakarwadi are little round snacks of relish. Crispy and spicy, this spirally snack is made of gram flour, poppy and sesame seeds along with coconut and seasoning. The plus side is, it can be stored for months and is a year-round snack!
Waste no time in jumping on this myriad of these flavours dishes and have an amazing Gudi Padwa!
