When it comes to comfort food, we all have our individual preferences. After all, comfort means something different to each of us. Some of us may find comfort in the indulgence of pakodas, samosas or French fries, while others may rely on nutritious options dal chawal, kadhi chawal or idli-sambar. In India, there is a special kind of comfort to be found in traditional dishes and their understated deliciousness. Today, allow us to introduce you to one such traditional comfort meal from the state of Maharashtra: Metkut Bhaat. We shall also discuss how you can easily prepare it at home.
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What Is Metkut Bhaat?
Metkut refers to the spice blend. Photo Credit: iStock
Metkut Bhaat is a Maharashtrian dish that typically consists of rice and ghee mixed with Metkut powder. Metkut is an aromatic spice mix made by grinding roasted lentils, whole spices and several other everyday ingredients. The masala powder thus formed can be stored for a long time and savoured according to your liking. Rice is a popular accompaniment, but curds and rotis/bhakris may also be paired with this spice mix. While every household may have its own version of Metkut, common ingredients include chana dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, chilli powder and other spices.
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Is Metkut Bhaat Healthy?
Metkut Bhaat doesn't just provide soul-soothing comfort, but also a range of health benefits. The spices used in the Metkut masala are packed with a range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Furthermore, this spice mix has a certain amount of protein too, thanks to the addition of different kinds of dal. Remember, the complete delicacy of Metkut Bhaat also contains ghee and rice. Ghee provides you with energy and nourishment, while rice keeps you satiated as usual. But the advantage of Metkut Bhaat mainly lies in the power of its traditional ingredients and its simplicity.
How To Make Metkut Bhaat At Home | Easy Recipe For Maharashtrian Metkut Powder
Ensure you store the metkut masala in an airtight jar. Photo Credit: iStock
In a thick-bottomed kadhai, separately dry roast chana dal, urad dal, yellow moong and uncooked rice grains. The heat should be on low to medium flame. Once their colour changes, transfer each of them to a tray to cool. In the same kadhai, add atta, haldi, hing, chilli powder, methi seeds, cumin seeds, and other seeds. Also, add the whole spices along with salt. Do not turn on the stove. Saute the ingredients together for some time and then mix them with the pulses roasted earlier. Grind all the ingredients to form a fine powder.
For the complete ingredient list and recipe for Metkut, click here
To make Metkut Bhaat, simply combine cooked rice with ghee and Metkut powder according to taste. Store the remaining masala in an airtight container kept in a cool, dry place.
We are sure you already have many spice masalas at home. Add Metkut powder to your cooking arsenal and use it to bring some variety to your meals. Try preparing Mekut Bhaat soon and you will see just how flavourful and comforting it is!
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