Bhogichi Bhaji | A Makara Sankranti Recipe from Maharashtra
Bhogichi Bhaji is a wonderful mixed vegetable made in Maharashtra for Bhogi, the first day of Sankrant,
Ingredients
The Vegetables
- 1/2 Cup Potato (Cut into 1" cubes)
- 1/4 Cup Carrot (Cut into 1" cubes)
- 1/4 Cup Brinjal (3 baby brinjals cut into medium-sized pieces)
- 1/4 Cup Pavta Beans (8 to 10 whole Pavta)
- 1/4 Cup Harbhara (Freshly harvested Green Chana)
- 4-6 2" Pieces of Drumstick (1 medium-sized drumstick)
- 1/4 Cup Peanuts
For Sesame and Peanut Powders
- 2 tbsp Peanuts
- 1 tsp Sesame
Spices
- 1.5 tsp Goda Masala
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
For Tempering
- 2 tbsp Oil
- 1 tsp Mustard Seeds, Rai
- 1 tsp Jeera, Cumin Seeds
- 2 Pinches Asafoetida, Hing
- A Few Curry Leaves
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Thick Tamarind Pulp
- 1.5 tbsp Grated Jaggery
- 1/3 Cup Fresh Grated Coconut
- 2 tbsp Finely Chopped Coriander (For Garnish)
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
Making the Peanut and Sesame Powders
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, over medium heat, dry roast 2 tbsp peanuts till they start to change colour and pop. Set aside to cool.
- Next, in the same pan, over medium heat, dry roast 1 tbsp sesame till they start to change colour and pop. Set aside to cool.
- When the peanuts have cooled, grind to a coarse powder.
- When the sesame seeds have cooled, grind to a coarse powder.
Prepping the Pavta Beans
- Destring the Pavta beans.
- Separate the beans from the pods.
- Cut the pods in half.
- Soak the Peanuts
- Soak 1/4 cup peanuts in 1/2 cup warm water for about 1 hour. If you find freshly harvested peanuts, you need not soak them.
- Drain the water from the soaked peanuts. Set aside.
Making the Bhogichi Bhaji
- In a kadai, over medium flame, heat 2 tbsp peanut oil. You can use any other flavourless oil as well.
- Add 1 tsp mustard seeds and wait till they crackle.
- Now add 1 tsp cumin seeds and stir-fry till they change colour.
- Turn the heat down to low.
- Add 1 tsp chilli powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, a few curry leaves and 2 pinches of hing.
- Turn the heat up to medium.
- Add the soaked and drained peanuts, 1/4 cup green chana, 1/4 cup chopped carrots, and 4 x 2" drumsticks
- Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Next, add 1/4 cup potatoes cubes and mix well.
- Add 1/3 cup water and cook covered till the vegetables just soften a bit (but are not fully cooked). The vegetables will cook further after we add the other ingredients.
- Next, add 1/4 cup Pavta beans and 1/4 cup brinjal cubes.
- Mix well and cook till all the vegetables are cooked.
- At this point, add 1.5 tsp Goda Masala, salt, and 1/4 cup water.
- Mix well and cook covered for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add 1 tsp tamarind pulp and mix well.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add a few tbsp of water, if needed. The Bhogichi Bhaji should be wet but not watery.
- Turn off the heat.
- Add the 1.5 tbsp grated jaggery, peanut powder and sesame powder, and mix well.
- Finally, add the 1/4 cup grated coconut and mix with a gentle hand.
- Garnish the Bhogichi Bhaji with 1 tbsp fresh chopped coriander.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Bhogichi Bhaji immediately with Bajrichi Bhakri or hot rotis, and butter.
Notes
This bhaji tastes absolutely great with some hot Bajrichi Bhakri and Butter.