Ganapati festival feast is synonymous with Modak. Lord Ganesha’s favourite food…Taste it and you know why!!! Majority of the households in Maharashtra make these beautifully shaped (the shape can only be called as-Modak shape, no other shape describes it better!!) mouthwatering Modak during Ganesh festival I have very fond memories associated with Modak. When I was at my mom’s place ,on Ganesh Chaturthi (first day of Ganesh festival) my Mom would make the dough for the Modaks and since it has to be shaped and filled when hot, we all -my father, brother and myself- would help her make the…
coconut
Tenga Vade (Rice flour -Coconut Fritters)
Janmashtami- celebrating the birth of lord Krishna, is one of the most popular festivals of India. This festival like most of the Indian festivals is celebrated with much fervor and zest. And the festivities are not complete without festive food. Tenga Vade (Rice Flour-Coconut Fritters) is my mother-in-laws recipe (most of the South Indian recipes I make ,I have learnt from her.), which we made for Janmashtami along with some sweets. These vadas stay for 5-6 days,that is if they are not over by then.
Varan Phala- (Wheat flour dumplings cooked in yellow lentil curry)
Varan Phala (Chakolya is another Marathi name) the mere mention of this name is enough to sensitize my taste buds. A one pot wholesome meal, this recipe is commonly made in many households. Wheat flour dumplings are cooked in dal which in turn is flavoured with masalas making it sweet,sour and spicy! So here’s Varan Phala ,from Maharashtra-The land of the great Maratha Warriors, for Indira’s wonderful Food Parade on Independence Day Varan Phala tastes best when eaten hot.You can add a tsp of ghee to enhance the flavour.With a spoon or hand take a square along with some curry…
Sweet Sweet Pongal
The month of Shravan (5th month of the Hindu calendar) is one of the most auspicious months here in India. It also brings along number of festivals, Rakhi Purnima being one of them. The festival of Rakshabandhan (as it is called in the Northern parts of India) or Rakhi purnima (as it is called in Maharshtra) celebrates the special bond of love between brothers and sisters.A rakhi (beautiful silk thread) is tied by the sister on her brothers wrist. Like all other festivals of India, this festival is incomplete without festivities and festive food.Though not the traditional Rakhi recipe,this Rakhi…