MAHARSHTRIAN BHOGI CHI BHAJI RECIPE

MAHARASHTRIAN BHOGI CHI BHAAJI RECIPE


Bhogichi bhaji is a traditional Maharashtrian dish prepared on ‘Bhogi’, a day before Sankranti.  It is celebrated to honor Lord Indra who is "the God of Clouds and Rains". Lord Indra is worshiped for the abundance of harvest, thereby bringing plenty and prosperity to the land.

Bhogichi bhaji is prepared to celebrate the seasonal bounty of winter vegetable along with peanuts/groundnut and sesame seeds which essentially provide warmth and nourishment to the body.  No ginger, garlic or onion is used in this recipe.  Traditionally it is served with bajra bhakiri.


Having spent close to a decade in Pune, I am totally in love with all the Maharashtrian food.  This recipe is dedicated to all my Maharashtrian friends.

·         Preparation Time    :  25 mins
·         Cooking Time            :  25 mins
·         Serves/makes            :  3 to 4

Ingredients:
·         1/4th cup diced potato/aloo
·         1/4th cup diced carrots/gajar
·         1/4th cup diced brinjal/baigan
·         1/4th cup broad beans/val papdi cut
·         1/4th cup peas/green channa
·         1 drumstick cut into 2” pieces
·         1 tbsp raisins/ber(Indian jujube)
·         1 or two slit green chillis
·         2 tbsp sesame seeds/til
·         2 tbsp peanuts/mungphalli
·         2 tsp jaggery (optional)
Tempering:
·         1 tsp cumin seeds/jeera
·         1 tsp haldi/turmeric
·         ½ tsp red chilli powder
·         1 tsp garam masala
·         1 tbsp oil
·         Salt to taste

Method:
Dry roast sesame seeds and peanuts and make a fine powder in a blender.

Heat a kadai over medium heat with 1 tbsp oil; add cumin seeds and sesame seeds and let it crackle.

Now add in haldi, red chilli powder, garam masala and slit green chillis. Cook the masala for a minute.

Add diced potatoes, broad beans, green peas and drumsticks.  Mix well and cook for 5 minutes with the lid on.

After 5 minutes carrots and brinjal.  Splash little water and cook with lid covered until all the vegetables are done.

At this stage add the raisins/ber, salt, jaggery, sesame seeds and peanut powder.  Mix well and continue to cook for another 5 to 7 minutes.

Garnish with roasted sesame seeds and coriander leaves.
Serve hot with bajra bhakri.


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