Misal Pav
Misal Pav is a beloved Maharashtrian breakfast, renowned for its spicy and flavorful taste. The dish features a spicy lentil curry, known as 'usal,' made
from moth beans. It's often served with pav (bread rolls), farsan (crispy snacks), onions, and lemon wedges. The preparation involves soaking the moth beans overnight and then cooking them with a blend of spices. The resulting usal is topped with farsan, onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice for an explosion of flavors. Misal Pav provides a delightful balance of textures and spices, making it a popular choice for breakfast in Maharashtra, enjoyed by many daily.
Pav Bhaji
Another iconic breakfast dish is Pav Bhaji, a buttery medley of mashed vegetables served with soft pav. The bhaji, a thick vegetable curry, includes potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and a special blend of spices. The vegetables are mashed together and cooked with butter, creating a rich and flavorful base. This bhaji is served with pav, which is toasted or slightly fried in butter. This dish is known for its rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a favorite for breakfast. Its preparation is simple, making it easy to create at home too, bringing the joy of Maharashtrian food to many tables.
Poha
Poha, or flattened rice, is a light and nutritious breakfast staple in Maharashtra. The dish involves soaking flattened rice and then tempering it with mustard seeds, onions, and curry leaves. It is often seasoned with turmeric and a mix of spices. Poha typically includes peanuts and is garnished with fresh coriander and lemon juice. This dish is easy to prepare and is known for its mild, yet satisfying flavors. Poha is a quick and healthy option, popular among people of all ages for its simplicity and taste.
Upma
Upma, a savory semolina porridge, is a versatile breakfast option in Maharashtra. The preparation involves roasting semolina and then cooking it with water and vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and peas. Upma is tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and other spices. The texture is soft, and it is often served with a garnish of coriander and lemon juice. Upma is a filling and flavorful breakfast option that can be customized with various vegetables and spices, making it adaptable to different tastes. It's a quick and easy breakfast, often prepared in many homes and eateries.
Thalipeeth
Thalipeeth is a savory multigrain pancake, representing the essence of Maharashtrian cuisine. The dough is made from a mix of flours, typically including wheat, jowar, bajra, and other grains, mixed with spices and vegetables. This dough is then cooked on a griddle with oil or ghee until it's golden brown. Thalipeeth is usually served with curd or butter, creating a satisfying and filling meal. It’s a nutritious and flavorful breakfast, ideal for those seeking a wholesome and authentic Maharashtrian experience. It's a traditional food, embodying the values of the local community.
Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana Khichdi is a popular breakfast dish, especially during fasting periods. It is made from soaked sabudana (tapioca pearls) that are mixed with potatoes, peanuts, and spices. The dish is tempered with cumin seeds and curry leaves, and is often garnished with coriander. This khichdi is light, yet filling, and provides sustained energy. Its simplicity and unique texture makes it a favorite among many. During fasting times, it is prepared in most houses, symbolizing a time of dedication and tradition.
Kanda Poha
Kanda Poha is a variation of the classic Poha, emphasizing the use of onions, or 'kanda' in Marathi. The dish is prepared with flattened rice, onions, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Turmeric is added for color and flavor, and peanuts are often included for crunch. It is garnished with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon. This version has a simple, yet tasty flavor profile. It's a quick and convenient breakfast option, appreciated for its simplicity and satisfying taste. Its easily found and prepared, thus making it popular.
Poori Bhaji
Poori Bhaji, a combination of puffed-up fried bread (poori) and a vegetable curry (bhaji), is a classic breakfast choice in Maharashtra. The pooris are made from wheat flour and are deep-fried until they puff up. The bhaji is typically made with potatoes, onions, and tomatoes, seasoned with various spices. The combination is filling and flavorful, providing a satisfying start to the day. This breakfast is popular during celebrations and festivals, adding a touch of indulgence to the meal. Poori Bhaji is a food enjoyed during special occasions and celebrations.
Shira
Shira, a sweet semolina pudding, offers a delightful contrast to the savory options in a Maharashtrian breakfast. Prepared with semolina, sugar, and milk or water, Shira is flavored with cardamom, nuts, and sometimes saffron. It has a soft and slightly gooey texture and is often served hot. This sweet dish is a favorite among children and adults alike. It is a comforting and easy-to-prepare breakfast choice, enjoyed by many, often as a special treat, especially during festivals.
Puran Poli
Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread, often eaten as a breakfast treat, especially during festivals. The flatbread is made with a filling of chana dal (split chickpeas) cooked with jaggery or sugar, flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. The dough is rolled out and cooked on a griddle until golden brown, creating a soft and sweet treat. Puran Poli is often served with ghee or milk, adding richness to its sweet taste. It's a symbol of celebration and is considered a delicacy in Maharashtra. Making this delicious flatbread is a labor of love.
