Ganesh Chaturthi 2021: Masala Bhaat Recipe

Maharashtra's biggest festival, Ganesh Chaturthi has commenced. This 10 days festival is widely celebrated across the streets and corners of Maharashtra. Several sweet dishes and special recipes are prepared every day to celebrate the festival.

When it comes to sweets, we all know Lord Ganesha loves modak and ladoos. What about meals? You can't just serve sweets in a meal plate. Here is the traditional masala bhaat recipe that you can prepare in the typical Maharashtrian style to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.

Masala bhaat recipe:

Serves: 3
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Basmati rice- 2 cups
• Brinjal- 2-3 (cubed)
• Ivy gourd/tendli- 5-6 (sliced)
• Dry coconut- ½ cup (grated)
• Dry red chillies- 2
• Coriander seeds- 2tsp
• Turmeric powder- 2tsp
• Cumin seeds- 2tsp
• Cloves- 2
• Green cardamoms- 2
• Bay leaf- 1
• Cashew nuts- 7-8 (halved)
• Peanuts- 2tbsp
• Oil- 2tbsp
• Salt- as per taste
• Water- 3 cups

Procedure

• 1. Wash the rice and soak in water for 30 minutes. Drain and keep it aside.
• 2. Soak brinjal and tendli in water for 10 minutes. Add little salt in water.
• 3. In a pan, roast red chillies, coriander seeds, dry coconut and cumin seeds together for 2 minutes. Let it cool. Grind it into a paste with little water.
• 4. Heat a handi and then pour oil. When the oil leaves team, sprinkle cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom and bay leaf. Stir and fry for few seconds.
• 5. Add vegetables, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, peanuts and salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
• 6. Cook on medium flame and stir. Now add rice and water. Stir and bring it to boil. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
• 7. Now reduce the flame to low and cook. Stir at intervals. Let the rice cook and absorb the water completely.

When the rice is cooked, remove it from flame and garnish with cashew nuts, grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves. You can serve it with coriander chutney or with curry. Serve this authentic Maharashtrian recipe on Ganesh Chaturthi and celebrate the festival with delicacies as such.