Celebrate Gudi Padwa With Flavour
By Ruchi Verma
Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, is a time of celebration, renewal, and, of course, delicious food. This auspicious occasion calls for a feast that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Maharashtra. From savoury to sweet, here are some traditional recipes to make your Gudi Padwa celebrations even more special.
Puran Poli
Puran Poli is a quintessential Gudi Padwa delicacy loved by all. This sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and chana dal (split Bengal gram) is a true delight. To make Puran Poli, prepare a dough using whole wheat flour, roll it out into thin discs, fill them with the sweet stuffing, and cook them on a griddle with ghee until golden brown. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee or a drizzle of milk.
Shrikhand
No Gudi Padwa celebration is complete without Shrikhand, a creamy and indulgent dessert made from strained yogurt, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and saffron. To prepare Shrikhand, hang yogurt in a muslin cloth to drain excess water, mix it with sugar and flavorings, and chill it before serving. Garnish with slivered almonds and pistachios for an extra touch of elegance.
Kothimbir Vadi
Kothimbir Vadi is a savory snack bursting with flavors of coriander leaves, spices, and gram flour. To make Kothimbir Vadi, prepare a batter with gram flour, coriander leaves, green chilies, ginger, garlic, and spices. Steam the batter until firm, slice it into pieces, and shallow fry until crispy on the outside. Serve Kothimbir Vadi hot with mint chutney for a delightful appetizer.
Batata Bhaji
Batata Bhaji, also known as Aloo Sabzi, is a simple yet comforting dish that pairs perfectly with Puran Poli or Poori. To make Batata Bhaji, sauté boiled and mashed potatoes with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, turmeric, and salt until well combined and fragrant. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
Poori
Poori, deep-fried Indian bread, is a classic accompaniment to festive meals. Made from whole wheat flour, Pooris puff up beautifully when fried, resulting in a light and fluffy texture. Serve hot Pooris with Batata Bhaji or any other curry of your choice for a wholesome Gudi Padwa feast.
Gudi Padwa is a time to rejoice, usher in new beginnings, and savour the rich flavours of Maharashtrian cuisine. Whether you're indulging in the sweetness of Puran Poli or relishing the savoury goodness of Kothimbir Vadi, these traditional recipes are sure to make your celebrations memorable. So gather your loved ones, whip up these delectable dishes, and revel in the joy of Gudi Padwa with a feast fit for royalty.
Happy cooking and Happy Gudi Padwa!
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