Maharastrian Amti Bhaat: Ganesh Chaturthi Special

Ganesh Chaturthi or the Vinayaka Chaturthi is less than a week away. It is the time to celebrate the most lovable Hindu deity, Ganesha's birthday! Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important Hindu festival widely celebrated with vigour in the state of Maharashtra. The festival lasts for nine days and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and of course with some mouthwatering delicacies.

Amti in Marathi means spicy dal and bhat means rice. This delicious dal is prepared with a special blend of spices known as the goda masala. It is the most important ingredient used to prepare this dal recipe. Since this spicy dal recipe is served with steamed rice, it is named amti bhaat. It goes without mention that the flavour of this dal is simply hard to resist. Maharashtrian amti bhaat is a perfect recipe to try out on this Ganesh Chaturthi, and have a delightful vegetarian treat at your home.

So, check out this delicious Ganesh Chaturthi recipe of Maharashtrian Amti Bhaat.

Serves: 4-5
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• Toor dal- 1 cup
• Methi (fenugreek) seeds- ½ tbsp
• Mustard seeds- 1tsp
• Hing (asafoetida)- a pinch
• Turmeric powder- 1tsp
• Salt- as per taste
• Curry leaves- 4-5
• Gur (jaggery)- 1tbsp
• Tamarind pulp- 2tsp
• Goda masala- 2tsp
• Coriander leaves- 2tbsp (chopped)
• Oil- 1tbsp
• Water- 2 cups

For Goda Masala

• Coriander seeds- 1tbsp
• Cumin seeds- ½ tbsp
• White sesame seeds- 1tbsp
• Cloves- 5-6
• Black cardamom- 2
• Cinnamon sticks- 2
• Black peppercorns- 8-10
• Bay leaves- 2
• Oil- ½ tsp

Procedure

1. Heat oil in a pan and roast all the ingredients listed under goda masala for about 2 minutes on a medium flame. Switch off the flame and let it cool. Then grind it in a mixer and make a coarse powder.
2. Cook the toor dal in a pressure cooker with salt and water. Pressure cook for 3 whistles and then switch off the flame.
3. Heat oil in a pan, add methi, mustard seeds, hing, curry leaves and fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cooked dal and mix well.
5. Now add the jaggery and the tamarind pulp to it. Keep stirring.
6. Add two teaspoons of the prepared goda masala and cook on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes.
7. Once done, garnish the dal with chopped coriander leaves.

Maharashtrian Amti is ready to be served. Serve this delicious dal recipe with steamed rice.