5 Mouth-Watering Maharashtrian Recipes to Try This Summer!

Summer has all of us craving some unique and delicious food. If you, too, are tired of having the same old curries, parathas and raitas, this article is what you need. It's the time to beat the summer heat as we bring to you authentic yet delicious Maharashtrian recipes to try this summer. From the cashews of Konkan to the Jackfruits from the Southern parts of India, these recipes will leave you drooling and wanting more. Arouse your tastebuds with these flavourful recipes from the heart of Maharashtra. Read the entire article and give these culinary treats a try! 

Ole Kajuchi Usal or Cashew Curry

Is your mouth watering too? Then you need to try this delicious and flavorful Ole Kajuchi Usal. Ole Kaju, or tender cashews, are usually found in the early days of March. The season lasts till May; however, sometimes, if one’s lucky, they might find it during the early days of June. The tender yet silky texture of the cashew, soaked in the curry adorned with traditional spices, creates a perfect palate. However, the type of curries made differs from region to region, but usually, shredded coconut and a basic tempering are used in the usal or curry. This curry is made in every Maharashtrian home, at least once in summer and is a popular dish in the Konkan region. It is the perfect meal to enjoy in summer with a Raita or Koshimbir (salad) on the side with a steaming hot plate of Roti or Bhakari. For all the Mumbaikars reading this, you can find ole kaju in your nearest markets, but if not, you can also visit the Dadar vegetable market. If you too want to try this delicious traditional culinary preparation, then give the recipe above a look. 

Jackfruit Seed Curry

You might have heard of a Jackfruit curry preparation, but did you know of a Jackfruit Seed Curry? Yes, you read that right! Indian culture incorporates every element of a product, may it be the skin or the seeds. We often find people on social media raving about consuming seeds as they are a rich source of vitamins and fibre. Similarly, jackfruit seeds are a rich source of protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins. If cooked the right way, they are the best source of antioxidants. Eating these seeds raw is not advised, as they hinder absorption due to antinutrients. One can try recipes like the Jackfruit Seeds Curry, Jackfruit Seeds Medu Vadas, and Oven Roasted Jackfruit Seeds with Kasuri Methi, Parwal with Jackfruit Seed and Chatpata Jackfruit Seeds chaat. Try out this yummy Maharashtrian recipe at home right away!  

Ambe Dal

If you’re from a Maharashtrian household, you know why Ambe Dal is a loved preparation. Ambe Dal is another addition to our list of appetising Maharashtrian summer delights to try. Popularly served as a condiment, this dish has the perfect balance of sweet, sour and spicy. While it is used as a condiment, one can also serve it as a salad to go with their food. The grated raw mangoes with dal and spices make it a powerhouse of nutrients. This recipe tastes exceptionally better if one eats it with a plate of roti and some curry. It doesn’t matter if one is not well-versed in cooking; this recipe is a child’s play. With just a basic tempering of our daily spices, the overall flavour of the dish is elevated. Instead of consuming your regular achaar, tantalise your tastebuds with this condiment. If you are tempted to try this recipe, check the video above. 

Tavsa Kayrus

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Tavsa belongs to the family of cucumbers, which is largely found in Konkan. It looks and tastes exactly like cucumbers, however, the texture varies. It might be difficult to get your hands on this particular vegetable in cities, thus, people can also opt for a cucumber in its place to try this recipe. Tavsa boasts numerous benefits due to its high water content and fibre, similar to cucumber. It is known for detoxifying the body while also boosting the immune system, as well as aiding weight loss. While you can experiment and try unique recipes with cucumber, Kakdiche Ghavan and Kakdi Cha Kayrus are two recipes that will make the perfect summer culinary delicacy. If you want a break from your regular food habits, then give this recipe a look!

Kaju Raita or Bonda Cha Bharta

When one says Konkan, cashew is what comes to mind. The Konkan region is blessed with an abundance of cashew trees and farms. The humble cashew is quite a versatile fruit that can easily cater to our spicy and sweet palates. Whether it's a topping on a sweet dish like kheer or sheera or a spicy preparation for a cashew curry, it is an integral part of Indian cuisine. A cashew is widely used in the Konkan region, and one such unique dish would be ‘Bonda Cha Bharta’ or a cashew fruit raita. This rather amusing and refreshing salad or side dish is an umami of flavours. The tenderness and the creamy texture of this salad will leave you wanting more. Firstly, the cashew fruit is boiled in water, and later cut into small pieces. These pieces are then garnished with a basic tempering of regular spices. And lastly, to give this dish a bit of richness, curd is added. The fragrant aroma of ghee tadka and spices will make this dish a 10/10! You can refer to the video above to try out this recipe. 

So, if you want to dive into traditional cultural culinary delights, give these Maharashtrian summer recipes and try and unleash the foodie within you!

P.S. Also, read here the traditional South Indian summer beverages to keep you cool and refreshed.