By: Toshita Sahni
Image Credit: Pexels
Varan Bhaat is a Maharashtrian-style dal chawal. Varan refers to a simple preparation of toor dal, while bhaat means rice in Marathi.
Image Credit: iStock
Varan Bhaat is a humble comfort food as well as a festive staple. The exact recipe for this Maharashtrian dish greatly varies from household to household.
Image Credit: Pexels
Some versions use just a handful of ingredients, excluding onions, tomatoes, garlic and the tadka. Others include these but still maintain the overall wholesomeness of the dish.
Image: iStock
In our recipe, you'll also notice a common ingredient used to give the dal a slight hint of sweetness. Here's one way to make varan at home:
Image Credit: iStock
1 1/2 cup toor dal
1 onion
1 tomato
2 sprig curry leaves
1 tsp jaggery, grated
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp asafoetida
Image: iStock
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp ghee
1-2 green chillies
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp coriander leaves, finely chopped
3-4 garlic cloves
1 tbsp grated coconut
Salt to taste
Image Credit: iStock
Add the coconut, garlic cloves and coriander leaves to a grinder jar. Blend to form a paste and set aside.
Image Credit: Getty
Soak the dal for half an hour. Cook it in a pressure cooker with around 3 cups of water, along with chopped onion, tomato, turmeric powder, asafoetida and 1 tbsp oil.
Image: iStock
After three whistles, open the cooker and mash the dal. On low heat, allow it to continue cooking and add the paste prepared earlier to the dal.
Image Credit: iStock
Add jaggery and salt to taste. Mix well. Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding hot water. Stir well, cover the vessel and turn off the heat.
Image Credit: iStock
Prepare a tempering (tadka) of cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves in 1 tbsp ghee. Pour the tadka over the dal and top with lemon juice.
Image Credit: iStock
Serve this dal preparation (varan) with plain steamed rice (bhaat). This combo can be a part of a festive thali or a simple meal.
Image Credit: Pexels
For must-try Maharashtrian Vegetable Recipes
Image Credit:iStock