Maharastrian Varan

 Maharashtrian Varan

Varan bhaat would read as lentil-rice where varan stands for “lentil curry or stew or dal” and bhaat means “steamed rice”.This recipe is dedicated to Nitafia who herself is Maharastrian and makes perfect dishes.

This recipe is very simple and easy to make and is a tempered version of varan. For the festival, skip onion and garlic and if preparing on regular days, then you can add garlic in the tempering.

INGREDIENTS

·       Boiled toor dal - 2 cups  (need ½ cup tuvar dal to get 2 cups of boiled dal)

·       1 Onion chopped

·       1/2 Tomato chopped

·       2 tsp garlic

·       3 tsp oil

·       1 tsp mustard seeds

·       1 tsp cumin seeds

·       pinch of asafoetida

·       5 to 6 curry leaves

·       1/4 tsp turmeric powder

·       3 green chillies chopped

·       Coriander leaves for garnishing

 

INSTRUCTIONS

·       Rinse the ½ cup lentils well in water for a couple of times. Then add them in a 2 litre pressure cooker along with chopped tomatoes and turmeric powder. 

·       Pressure cook the lentils with tomatoes and turmeric powder for 3-4 whistles on medium flame.When the pressure settles down on its own, open the lid and mash the dal with a wired whisk or woodenVaran spoon. Cover and keep aside. If the dal looks thick, then you can add water as required. If adding water, then keep to simmer on low flame till you get the desired consistency, which is neither thick nor thin. Turnoff flame and keep covered.

·       Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing, curry leaves, garlic and saute till garlic gets a nice golden color. Add onion and wait till it becomes translucent. Add chopped green chillies and tomatoes, mix, cover, and cook for 2 minutes. Add boiled dal, mix and just bring it to boil. Garnish with chopped coriander. Keep lemon slice to squeeze if needed.

·       Enjoy this very very simple yet very flavourful and healthy Maharashtrian Varan with plain boiled rice.

 

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