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Maharashtra style Thali served with fresh coriander and chilli slices
Indian Maharashtra style thali with rice and spicy lentils

Maharashtra Style Thali

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses
In Hindi, 'Thali' means 'plate', but it actually represents a complete dining concept: balancing the 6 fundamental flavours (sweet, salty, sour, spicy, bitter, astringent) on a single platter. The Thali of the Maharashtra region (around Mumbai) is famous for its use of 'Goda Masala' (a black roasted spice blend) and coconut. The centrepiece is 'Varan Bhaat' (rice with lentils), which is a celebration of simplicity.
🕒 Prep Time 20 mins
🍳 Cook Time 40 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 hr
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 680 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Pressure cooker (for cooking lentils quickly) or heavy-bottomed pot
  • Small frying pan for making the 'tadka' (spiced oil)

Allergen Information

⚠️ Milk

Instructions

1 ✓

Rinse the rice and cook in twice the amount of water. Cook the lentils in separate water until completely soft (almost creamy).

Tip: The lentils need to be slightly overcooked to thicken.
2 ✓

Heat oil in a pot, toss in the cumin. When fragrant, add the chopped onion, garlic and chilli. Fry until golden brown.

Tip: Caramelising the onions provides the base sweetness.
3 ✓

Add the diced tomatoes and spices. Cook until pulpy.

Tip: The 'masala' (spice paste) is ready when the oil starts to separate at the edges.
4 ✓

Pour in the cooked lentils, coconut milk and tamarind. Season with salt and simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Tip: The acidity of the tamarind and the sweetness of the coconut create the balance.
5 ✓

Serve the rice with the lentils, sprinkled with fresh coriander.

Recipe FAQ

What gives it the authentic taste?
The 'Tadka' or 'Tempering' is key: spices (mustard seeds, cumin, curry leaves) are popped in hot oil and poured over the finished dish. Do not skip this!

Ingredients

  • 200 g Basmati rice
  • 150 g Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
  • 1 whole Onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 2 whole Tomatoes
  • 200 ml Coconut milk
  • 2 tbsp Oil (or Ghee)
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds (whole)
  • 1 tbsp Tamarind paste
  • 1 tsp Garam masala (or Goda masala)
  • 2 whole Green chillies
  • 1 bunch Fresh coriander