The coastal state of Maharashtra is known for its culture, food habits, and traditions. The state is popular for its Rassas and Misal, festival celebrations like the Ganesh Chaturthi. However, it is recognised for its commendable dessert selection.
This can be sometimes overlooked. However, some Maharashtrian desserts are extremely popular throughout India. The reason being, that though they are not as sweet as the gulab jamun or the rasogula, they are simple, nutritious, and straightforward.
These desserts can sometimes be plain-looking like the poli, but they pack a volume of nutrition, and sweetness to it. Maharashtrians don’t like their sweets to be too rich by adding unwanted components.
6 Mouth-watering Maharashtrian Desserts
These humble treats have been around for several generations now. Perhaps, they have been deeply woven into the community rituals, and are often found during festivals and occasions. If you have a sweet tooth, then you won’t be able to resist some of these irresistibly delicious maharashtrian sweets.
Some of them include Shrikhand, Basundi, and Puran Poli, which often find a place on the dining table during popular festivals. We can say that it is a fusion of incredible tastes and direct methods.
We bring to you a delicious variety of sweets that highlight the state’s rich culinary legacy. Let us read more about them, and help you find your favourite sweet when you are fond of traditional sweets. There is no doubt that this wonderful state can provide you with some of the best desserts.
Shrikhand
Our first dessert on this list is the Shrikhand. Go to any Maharashtrian home, and request them to prepare this dish for you, they will be more delighted than you. The dish is popularly made in many homes during the festival of Janmashtami.
This is an auspicious day because it is the birth of Lord Krishna. In the olden days, travellers used to carry the yoghurt overnight. The dish comes with an elegant, creamy, and thick texture. That is because it is produced from yoghurt.
You can find fresh fruits on the dish as well. The dish is served as a dessert after breakfast in North India. However, it is quite the reverse in South India, because it is served only after dinner. Go on, and prepare this dish today at your home, and enjoy the dessert.
Aamras
Aamras is basically mango juice. It is aam, with the ras as said in Hindi. You take the mango pulp and beat it into a thick juice. However, you can add your own elements to the dessert, and make it somewhat rich.
It is usually consumed as a dessert. Juicy mangoes are used to prepare this dish. You need to then place the pieces in a blender, and gently pulp them. You can have it into a creamy, sweet, and aromatic concoction.
The ripe mangoes offer you with the sweetness of the mango cream. You can also sweeten the dish using some sugar. You can also enhance the dish by adding, some cardamom, and dried ginger, if you want to.
However, we do not want many variations. This, of course, depends on your family’s preferences. The dish is prepared throughout the year, and more often, when you can find mangoes in the season. It is cool, refreshing, and tangy, with all the pulp, and the sweetness from the sugar.
Basundi
Basundi is another popular dessert that is prepared in Maharashtra. The dessert is made from reduced milk, and sugar. You then, need to prepare it to a thick consistency. You can garnish it with some nuts, and then serve it chill.
It is quite similar to Kheer, which is a popular Indian dish that is often found in many Indian homes, on any occasion. You can add your own variations to it when you are serving it. You can use pistachios, cashews, and almonds.
Usually, some cardamom and saffron are used as flavours. The dish can be found during popular Indian festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Diwali, and Gudi Padwa. We can find this dish during Indian weddings.
Though its origin is not known, it is a popular North Indian dessert dish that can be served after lunch or dinner. You can find this dish in many states apart from Maharashtra, like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka as well.
Modak
Modak is similar to the shape of a small doll. The only difference being, that you can gobble up this small doll-like sweet structure. It is like a sweet dumpling. Now, there are several names to Modak.
It is called kozhukattai in Tamil Nadu, and kadubu in Karnataka. Though the names are different, the ingredients are the same, and the taste may vary depending on the ingredients used.
However, the ones that are used in Maharashtra are called Ukadiche Modak. This comes prepared from steamed rice flour, which is then loaded with a mixture of shredded coconut & jaggery.
Karanji
If you love samosas, then you will surely like to have karanji. These are also known as gujiya. They are fried sweet dumplings that are stuffed with grated coconut and some fruits. You can as always add your own variations to the dish, and make it according to your taste & preferences.
The dish comes shaped like a crescent form and you can find fillings of crushed cashew, cardamom, almond, and pistachio nuts. Please note that a well made karanji is flaky and has that crispiness to it.
You can make it either from Suji or Maida. May we suggest that you stuff it with some sweetened khoa and dried fruits. This is your take, and depending on the region, you are from, you can place the additions as stuffings.
Puran Poli
Puran Poli is another sweet dish. In South India, it is known as Pooli, which is basically the same sweet dish. It is prepared during festivals such as Sankranti and Diwali. You can find this preparation consumed as an evening snack. It is a flatbread that is quite soft.
You can fry it using oil or ghee. You should use ghee to help the poli retain its original flavour and texture. You can find the poli filled with sweet lentil filling (puran) that comes flavoured with jaggery.
You need to then stuff it inside the flour, and then fry it gently like a roti or chapathi. If you have prepared roti or chapathi, then preparing this dish will be more fun for you. By the way, you will be tempted to have a taste of the stuffing once in a while as you prepare this amazing dessert.
Conclusion
These were some authentic Maharashtrian recipes that you may want to try at your home today. Perhaps, if you know somebody from Maharastra or from the region, then you can take their help to prepare some of these delicacies.
Be patient, with yourself, because you will become an expert at making these tantalising dishes in no time. So, the next time, when you are craving for some delicious, sweet, lovely, yet tasty desserts, then you know what to do.
