Maharashtra offers a diverse range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Here are seven coolest Maharashtrian dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian – these dishes represent the diversity and flavors of Maharashtrian cuisine, showcasing the region’s love for spices, bold flavors, and unique combinations of ingredients.
Vada Pav: Vada Pav is often referred to as the “Indian Burger” and is Maharashtra’s beloved street food. The potato vada is made by mashing boiled potatoes with spices, coated in a gram flour batter, and deep-fried until golden. It is served inside a soft pav (bread roll) with spicy green chutney, tangy tamarind chutney, and fried green chilies.
Misal Pav: Misal Pav is a flavorful and spicy curry made from sprouted lentils (usually moth beans or mixed legumes) called misal. The curry is cooked with a blend of spices, including goda masala, and topped with farsan (fried savory mix), chopped onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lemon. It is served with pav (bread rolls) to mop up the curry.
Puran Poli: Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread, is a popular festive delicacy in Maharashtra. The dough is made with flour, and the stuffing is a mixture of cooked chana dal (split Bengal gram), jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg. The stuffed dough is rolled out and cooked on a griddle with ghee (clarified butter), resulting in a deliciously sweet and aromatic flatbread.
Sabudana Khichdi: Sabudana Khichdi is a popular fasting dish made with soaked tapioca pearls (sabudana). It’s cooked with roasted peanuts, cumin seeds, green chilies and potatoes, and flavored with lemon juice. Despite its lightness, the dish is incredibly satisfying, making it a preferred option during religious fasting.
Kolhapuri Chicken: Kolhapuri Chicken is a fiery and flavorful chicken curry originally from Kolhapur in Maharashtra. Coocked with a rich blend of spices, including the famous Kolhapuri masala, which typically includes red chilies, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and coriander seeds, the curry is known for its vibrant red color and bold taste, making it a favorite among spice lovers.
Bombil Fry: Bombil Fry is a popular seafood dish made with fresh Bombay duck fish. Fish is marinated with turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander, then covered in semolina (rava) and shallow-fried until crispy. This dish is usually served as an appetizer or alongside rice and dal.
Malvani Fish Curry: Malvani Fish Curry is a coastal Maharashtrian specialty. The curry is made by simmering fish, usually pomfret or surmai (kingfish), in a flavorful coconut-based gravy. The spice blend includes a combination of red chilies, coriander seeds, cumin, garlic, ginger, and other spices. Traditionally enjoyed with rice or chapati, the curry is known for its rich, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.
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