The
authentic flavours of the Indian state of Maharashtra come from a long and rich
culinary tradition, dating back thousands of years. As a result, the dishes of
this fascinating state are vast, varied and hold appeal for a wide range of
tastes. Maharashtra specialises in super spicy recipes as well as soothingly
mild ones; with a plethora of options for meat and fish lovers as well as those
that follow a vegetarian diet.
In
fact, Maharashtra might just be one of the top Indian states for a vegetarian
foodie to visit. The most iconic dishes of the state are vegetable-based and
whether you are looking for a deliciously tempting street food snack or
something more substantial, you can guarantee you’ll find something to your liking
on the Maharashtrian menu. Here are a few of our favourites:
1.
Vada Pav
This
famous Indian fast food snack is consumed all over Maharashtra and is the
ultimate ‘grab and go’ morsel when eating on the run. Vada pav stalls can be
found throughout the busy city streets, particularly in Mumbai. It is the
Indian equivalent of a veggie burger - a spiced, mashed potato patty,
deep-fried to crisp perfection and sandwiched between two halves of a fluffy
white bread bun.
2.
Poha
A
popular breakfast dish in this sprawling state, Maharashtrian poha differs
slightly from the recipes enjoyed in other parts of India. This version is
known as ‘kandapoha’ and the key ingredient of flattened rice is mixed with
plenty of flavoursome onions for extra flavour.
3.
Pitlabhakri
The
simple food of rural Maharashtra does not mean it is any less flavoursome than
the fancier recipes of the state. This vegetarian dal has provided sustenance
for people living in the countryside for hundreds of years, but it is now having
something of a revival with many successful restaurants in the larger cities
adding it to their menus. Served with a warm Indian flatbread known as bhakri,
the meal is complete.
4.
Bharitbhakri
Again
served with the same traditiona flatbread as above, this dish consists mostly
of eggplant as opposed to the lentils involved in a dal. Chunks of succulent
eggplant are roasted and mixed with spices, tomatoes and chopped onions to form
a flavoursome dish laden with texture.
5.
Sabudana khichdi
A
comfort food favourite in Maharashtra, this dish consists of an unusual
ingredient - pearls of tapioca. These pearls are fried with a selection of
spices including cumin and chilli pepper and combined with chopped green
chillies and nuts. A popular breakfast meal and street food, it is also a dish
that can be enjoyed at certain times of ritual fasting.
Indian
cuisine is beloved by vegetarians the world over due to the mouth-watering
array of options it lays on. Visit one of London’s best Indian fine diningrestaurants to experience a variety of vegetable-based sides and mains, created
from the freshest produce and inspired by the traditional recipes of India.
Although based firmly on authentic flavours, the dishes on these innovative
menus have been given a modern twist to bring them bang
up-to-date with the 21st century. Treat yourself and book a table today.
