MAHARASHTRIAN MASALAS

~ Unfolding the Legacy ~

वदनी कवळ घेता नाम घ्या श्रीहरीचे सहज हवन होते नाम घेता फुकाचे ।
जीवन करी जीवित्वा अन्न हे पूर्ण ब्रह्म उदर भरण नोहे जाणिजे यज्ञ कर्म॥

(While taking a morsel of food, remember Shri Hari's name. Eating is not just a physical act but a sacred ritual (yagna) that nourishes both body and soul. Food, seen as the Supreme Being, is not merely for satiety but a divine offering essential for sustaining life.)

Maharashtra, the land of forts and festivals, is a realm of diverse landscapes and cultural richness, where every corner echoes the prayers of Ramdas Swami. We pray before we eat, turning each meal into an opportunity to celebrate our tradition. This cultural tapestry is reflected in the distinct flavours of its cuisine, shaped by the unique blends of masalas crafted by each community. As summers arrive, grandmothers step out to honour the ritual of drying, roasting, and pounding their special masalas, filling the streets with the aromas of nostalgia. In tribute to these cherished memories, Urban Platter celebrates Masala Day on May 20th, reviving the soulful essence of these timeless masalas.

1. The Coastal Charm: Konkan

The westernmost part of Maharashtra, Konkan, stretches along the state's entire coastline. This region is home to vibrant communities like Agri, Koli, Malvani, Saraswat Brahmin, Bhandari, Kunbi and East Indians.

Key Districts: Sindhudurg, Raigad, Thane, Ratnagiri, and Mumbai.

Culinary Staples:
The region thrives on rice, coconut, and the tangy, superfood kokum.

Offers:

• Assal Agri Masala: A fiery spice blend featuring diverse varieties of chilies and sharp undertones, crafted to complement the Agri community's rustic and hearty cooking styles.
• Malvani Masala: Known as Bhajaka Masala, this spicy yet subtly tangy blend combines roasted spices and earthy flavors to elevate the coconut-rich gravies of Malvani cuisine.
• East Indian Bottle Masala: A finely powdered spice mix with 30-60 meticulously balanced ingredients, offering a harmony of sweetness, heat, and depth, preserved through generations as a culinary legacy.
• Koli Masala: A coarse-textured blend of aromatic spices, skillfully roasted, and tailored for the bold, zesty, and protein-rich dishes of Koli cuisine.

Top Delicacies:

• Dalimbi Usal
• Vindaloo Curry

2. The Spiciest Affair: Khandesh

Also known as Kanha-Desh, the land of the Ahirs (devotees of Lord Krishna), this northern region of Maharashtra showcases a rich cultural tapestry influenced by Gujarat and Rajasthan. It is celebrated for hosting one of Maharashtra's spiciest and most vibrant cuisines.

 

Key Districts:
Nashik, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Dhule, and Nandurbar.

Top Delicacies:

• Shev-Bhaji
• Bharli Vangi

Offers:

• Nashik Kala Masala:
  ठसकेदार:
  Adjective [thaske-dar]: Literally “coughing,” because it's so fiery that it has the potency to leave a noteworthy impression — the kind that lingers, just like a good, strong cough!
  A distinctive blend featuring roasted dried coconut, stone flower, and a medley of chilies, imparting its signature black hue and delivering bold, robust flavours to every dish.
  
  

3. The Culinary Crossroads: Desh

The central Deccan Plateau of Maharashtra, which extends across the Western Ghats, serves as a melting pot of cultural diversity. Each community in this region prepares heartwarming meals, steeped in tradition, with a rich blend of local ingredients and flavours.

Key Districts:
Pune, Satara, Solapur, and Kolhapur.

Culinary Staples:
Desh thrives on the abundance of peanuts, a key ingredient that enhances a range of dishes from mild to intensely spicy.

   

 

Top Delicacies:
Tondali Bhaat
Misal Paw

Offers:

• Marathi Goda Masala: The soul of Puneri-Brahmin cooking, this masala brings mild sweetness from dry coconut, sesame, and cinnamon that is perfect for vegetarian dishes that prefer to keep things onion- and garlic-free.
• Marathi Ghati Masala: Subtle but bold, this blend of spicy, earthy, and tangy flavours is the secret ingredient that lets your vegetarian dishes or Vadapav shine, all while staying low-key—sometimes the only masala needed in cooking.
• Kolhapuri Masala: Known for its bold heat, this masala blends fiery Kolhapuri "lavangi" mirchi with dry coconut, infusing authentic spice into classics like Tambda, Pandhara Rassa, and Kolhapuri Misal.
• Kanda Lasun Masala:
  खमंग:
  Adjective [khamang]: Delicious and well-balanced, just like the iconic taste of Kolhapuri cuisine. The heart of Kolhapuri cuisine, or "Sathavanicha Masala," is made from dry-roasted onion and garlic, essential for giving the iconic "tarri" and works wonderfully as a chutney too.
  
  

4. A Land of Spices and Stories: Vidarbha

Located at the northeast boundary of Maharashtra, Vidarbha is home to Nagpur, the state’s second capital, and shares cultural ties with Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Famous for its "Varhadi" cuisine, this region offers bold and fiery flavours that defines its culinary landscapes.

Key Districts:
Amravati, Nagpur, Chandrapur, Bhandara, and Akola.

Culinary Staples:
A blend of dry coconut, peanuts, gram flour, fiery red chilies Thecha, and flaxseed chutney are staples in the diet.

Top Delicacies:
Saoji Patwadi Rassa

Dal Kanda

Offers:

• Nagpuri Saoji Masala:
  झणझणीत:
  
  

Adjective [jhanjhanit]: Hot-biting, fiery; it's the kind of spice that keeps you coming back for more. Brought by the migrants of the "Halba Koshti" community, the recipe for Saoji cuisine is a blend of roasted coconut, stone flower, and star anise, cooked in jute oil to create a uniquely rounded flavour. 

5. Heartily simple: Marathwada

Located in central Maharashtra, Marathwada, meaning "Marathi Angan" (courtyard), is known for its rustic, robust cuisine. The region's food, reflecting its agrarian roots, blends local ingredients with traditional techniques, often featuring sun-dried vegetables and a strong emphasis on spices.

Key Districts:
Nanded, Latur, Beed, Aurangabad and Jalna.

Culinary Staples:

Wheat-based dishes, pulses, chutneys, and spices like cumin and coriander, with yogurt adding richness to Marathwada's bold flavors.

Top Delicacies:
Varangi Khichadi
Shengole

Offers:
Marathwada Jhanjhanit Kala Tikhat Masala: A fiery blend of dry roasted spices, this masala brings bold heat, earthy flavours, and a perfect balance of sharpness to Marathwada's iconic dishes like Pithla and Zunka.

Spice up your life, Maharashtrian style! From Konkan to Marathwada, from  Goda Masala to fiery Kolhapuri blends, find your flavour match on Urban Platter.