For most Maharashtrians varan-bhaat is the ultimate comfort food. It nourishes you mind, body, and soul.

At a given time, there are any number of ‘You know you are a Maharashtrian if….‘ lists circulating. The contents of these lists keep varying, but one item is bound to figure: ‘You know you are a Maharashtrian if you think varan-bhaat -tup-limbu is the best food on Earth’

Varan is basically simple gravy made from Toovar dal.Mostly served with steam rice.

For festive occassions Varan Bhat is served in form of mood.(Mould of rice topped with varan and ghee.

Ingredients: 

1 Cup tur dal (Soaked in two cups of water for 2 hours).

1/4 tsp haldi powder.

Salt to taste.

1 tbsp Ghee.

juice of 1/2 Lemon.

Grind to a smooth paste

2 tbsp grated Coconut.

2 pinch Asafoetida.

1 tsp Jeera(Cumin).

2 tbsp Water.

Method:

Pressure cook washed and soaked dal in cooker upto 3-4 whistles.

Once the dal is cooked,remove from cooker and mash well,put back on gas on medium flame,add turmeric,salt and ghee,Mix well.

Let it come to a boil,add paste of coconut and mix well.Add juice of half a lemon.

Serve hot with steam rice,topped with some more ghee

Happy Cooking !!!

Sameera