Maharashtrian food is renowned for its distinctive taste combinations that combine tanginess, spice, and sweetness in one dish. **MaharashtrianPatal Bhaji**, a hearty, slightly sweet, and tangy dish cooked with leafy greens, chana dal, and buttermilk, is one such traditional meal. This dish is a mainstay in many homes and is frequently eaten with steamed rice, chapati, or bhakri. Let’s get started on theMaharashtrian patal bhaji recipe and see how to make this tasty and nutritious food.
Before jumping into the maharashtrian patal bhaji recipe i would like to share my personal story related to this recipe.When i first eaten this dish at my maharashtrian freinds house and at that time i was like wow,so i decided to ask the method of this recipe from my freind and she makes me understand how to make this dish and from that time onwards i myself cook atleast once a week and trust me it is so so delicious!
Table of Contents
What is Maharashtrian Patal Bhaji?
A thin curry-style dish,maharashtrian patal bhaji is mainly prepared with **amaranth leaves (chaulai)** or **spinach (palak)**. **Gram flour (besan)** is used to thicken it, while **jaggery, tamarind, and a unique Maharashtrian spice blend called Goda Masala(garam masala)** are used to flavor it. The recipe is made much more tasty by the addition of **buttermilk**, which gives it a tangy depth.
Ingredients:
For the Bhaji:
- – 2 cups **chopped spinach** (palak) or amaranth leaves (chaulai)
- – ¼ cup **chana dal** (soaked for 30 minutes)
- – 2 tbsp **besan (gram flour)**
- – 1 cup **buttermilk** (churned from ¼ cup curd + ¾ cup water)
- – 1 tbsp **tamarind pulp**
- – 1 tbsp **jaggery** (adjust as per taste)
- – 1 tsp **red chili powder**
- – ½ tsp **turmeric powder**
- – 1 tsp **goda masala** (or garam masala)
- – 1 tsp **coriander powder**
- – Salt to taste
- – 1½ cups **water**
For Tempering (Tadka):
- – 2 tbsp **oil**
- – ½ tsp **mustard seeds**
- – ½ tsp **cumin seeds**
- – 1 **green chili**, chopped
- – 1 **dry red chili**, broken
- – 5-6 **curry leaves**
- – 1 pinch **asafoetida (hing)**
For Garnishing:
- – 2 tbsp **grated coconut**
- – 2 tbsp **chopped coriander leaves**
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chana Dal
- Place the soaked **chana dal**, 1 cup water, and a teaspoon of salt in a pressure cooker.
- On medium heat, pressure cook for **2 whistles** or until tender but not mushy. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Patal Bhaji
- 1.In a pan with hot oil, add the **mustard seeds** and allow them to sputter.
- 2. Include the curry leaves, asafoetida (hing), green chili, dry red chili, and cumin seeds. Sauté for a short while.
- 3. Add **chopped spinach**. Cook until the spinach wilts
- 4. Add **coriander powder, goda masala(garam masala), red chili powder, and turmeric**. Stir thoroughly.
- 5. Now add the chana dal** that has been cooked and stir it.
- 6. In a bowl, whisk **buttermilk** and **besan** until smooth.
- 7. To keep the **buttermilk-besan mixture** from curdling, pour it into the pan while stirring constantly.
- 8. Add salt, jaggery, and **tamarind pulp**. Stir thoroughly and simmer for **5-7 minutes** until somewhat thickened.
- 9. To achieve a little thin (patal) consistency, adjust the water as necessary.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle **grated coconut** and **fresh coriander leaves**. 2. Serve hot with **Bhakri, Chapati, or Steamed Rice**.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Nutritious & Healthy:** Packed with greens, protein-rich chana dal, and probiotic-rich buttermilk.
Balanced Flavors:** The perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Simple & Quick:** Takes under 30 minutes to prepare.
Enjoy this **Maharashtrian Patal Bhaji with Buttermilk** as a wholesome meal, perfect for any time of the day. Try it out and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Chart (Per Serving – Approx. 200g)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) | %Daily Value |
| Calories | 180 Kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fats | 7g | 11% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 3g | — |
| Vitamin A | 1200IU | 40% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
| Iron | 3.5mg | 19% |
| Calcium | 90mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 300mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 600mg | 17% |
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