Shengdanyachi Amti
A beloved Maharashtrian curry made from roasted peanuts, offering a unique blend of nutty, tangy, and subtly sweet flavors. This comforting and simple amti is a staple during fasting periods but delicious enough for any day of the week.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Roast and Prepare Peanuts
- b.Dry roast 1 cup of raw peanuts in a heavy-bottomed pan on low-medium heat for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently.
- c.Continue until they are fragrant, turn a light golden brown, and the skins start to blister.
- d.Transfer to a plate and let them cool completely. Once cooled, rub the peanuts between your palms to remove the skins and discard them.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Peanut Paste
- b.In a blender jar, combine the skinned roasted peanuts, 3 green chillies, and 1 inch of ginger.
- c.Add 1/2 cup of water and blend until you have a very smooth, creamy paste. Add a little more water if needed to facilitate grinding.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a medium-sized pot or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once hot, add 1 tsp of cumin seeds and let them sizzle and splutter for about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the 10 curry leaves and sauté for another 15 seconds until they become crisp and aromatic.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Amti
- b.Carefully pour the ground peanut paste into the pot with the tempering. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to cook the raw paste.
- c.Add the remaining 3.5 cups of water, whisking as you pour to prevent lumps.
- d.Stir in 1 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp red chili powder (if using), 4 kokum petals, and 1 tbsp of jaggery.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the amti simmer gently for 8-10 minutes.
- c.The curry will thicken slightly and the surface will look glossy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- d.Taste and adjust the salt, jaggery, or kokum as needed to balance the flavors.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and garnish with 2 tbsp of freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- c.Let the amti rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with steamed rice, varan bhaat, bhakri, or chapati.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a smoother paste, use warm water when grinding the peanuts.
- 2The amti thickens as it cools. Adjust consistency with a little hot water before reheating and serving.
- 3Avoid over-roasting the peanuts, as this can introduce a bitter taste to the curry.
- 4The balance of tangy (kokum) and sweet (jaggery) is key. Feel free to adjust these to your personal preference.
- 5If you don't have kokum, you can use 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste, added towards the end of the cooking process.
- 6For a quicker version, use 3/4 cup of unsalted, roasted peanut powder (danyacha kut). Mix it with water to form a paste and proceed from Step 3.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan Shengdanyachi Amti
Simply replace the ghee with a neutral vegetable oil like peanut oil or sunflower oil to make this dish completely plant-based.
With Goda MasalaWith Goda Masala
For a more aromatic and traditional flavor, add 1 teaspoon of Maharashtrian Goda Masala along with the red chili powder in step 4.
With VegetablesWith Vegetables
Add boiled and cubed potatoes or pieces of drumstick to the amti while it simmers to make it a more wholesome and complete meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Peanuts are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Heart-Healthy Fats
This curry is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from peanuts, which are known to support heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Good for Digestion
Ingredients like ginger and cumin seeds are known for their digestive properties, helping to soothe the stomach and improve gut health.
Energy Boosting
The combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates provides a sustained release of energy, making it a fulfilling and satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Shengdanyachi Amti (approximately 1 cup) contains around 280-300 calories. The majority of the calories come from the healthy fats and protein in the peanuts and the ghee.