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A comforting and wholesome Maharashtrian staple of simple, unspiced lentil soup (Varan) served with steamed rice (Bhaat). It's the ultimate soul food, often topped with ghee and a squeeze of lime.
For 4 servings
Prepare Dal and Rice
Pressure Cook Dal and Rice Together
Finish the Varan
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A comforting and wholesome Maharashtrian staple of simple, unspiced lentil soup (Varan) served with steamed rice (Bhaat). It's the ultimate soul food, often topped with ghee and a squeeze of lime.
This maharashtrian recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 192.04 calories per serving with 9.5g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Serve Hot
Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a small pan. Add 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, a pinch of asafoetida, and 1-2 slit green chilies. Once they splutter, pour this tempering over the finished varan.
Add one finely chopped tomato to the pressure cooker along with the dal for a slightly tangy flavor.
Add 2-3 crushed garlic cloves to the dal before pressure cooking for a mild garlic aroma and taste.
Add 2-3 pieces of dried kokum while simmering the dal for a unique sour taste, which is common in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
Toor dal is rich in plant-based protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function. When combined with rice, it forms a complete protein source.
The simple, minimally spiced preparation makes Varan Bhaat very light on the stomach and easy to digest. It's often recommended as a recovery food after illness.
The combination of complex carbohydrates from rice and protein and fiber from dal ensures a slow release of energy, keeping you full and energetic for longer.
This dish is made from naturally gluten-free ingredients (lentils and rice), making it a safe and wholesome option for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Varan is the simplest form of dal from Maharashtrian cuisine. It is traditionally made without onions, garlic, tomatoes, or an elaborate tempering (tadka), focusing on the pure flavor of the lentils, enhanced only by turmeric, asafoetida, and ghee.
Yes, Varan Bhaat is considered a very healthy and balanced meal. It provides a complete protein profile from the combination of lentils and rice, complex carbohydrates for energy, and is extremely easy to digest, making it a perfect comfort food.
One serving of Varan Bhaat, as per this recipe, contains approximately 450-500 calories. The exact count can vary based on the type of rice and the amount of ghee used.
Absolutely. You can cook the dal in a regular pot on the stovetop. It will take longer, about 45-60 minutes, for the dal to become completely soft. Ensure you add enough water and stir occasionally.
Store the varan and bhaat in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The varan will thicken upon cooling. To reheat, add a splash of hot water to the varan while warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave to restore its original consistency.