Maharashtrian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and diverse range of dishes. While the state is famous for its rich gravies and spicy curries, one of the lesser-known yet incredibly delightful dishes is the Maharashtrian Green Curry. A perfect choice for dinner, this vibrant curry offers a combination of freshness, heat, and tanginess, making it a healthy and satisfying option.
In this article, we’ll explore some exciting varieties of Maharashtrian Green Curry that will elevate your dinner experience.
1. Maharashtrian Style Green Vegetable Curry (Sabzi)
This curry is a medley of seasonal vegetables like bottle gourd, carrots, beans, and potatoes, cooked in a fragrant green paste made of fresh coriander, mint, green chilies, and coconut. The addition of mustard seeds and curry leaves gives it a distinct, earthy flavor.
Why it’s perfect for dinner:
This light yet nutritious curry is packed with the goodness of vegetables and is easy to digest, making it ideal for a comforting dinner. Serve it with roti, rice, or even a side of paratha for a wholesome meal.
2. Green Moong Dal Curry (Maharashtrian Style)
Made with green moong dal (split green gram), this curry is spiced with ginger, garlic, turmeric, and a fresh green chili-coriander paste. What sets it apart is the use of jaggery or coconut jaggery to give it a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the green chilies.
Why it’s perfect for dinner:
Moong dal is a great source of protein and fiber, making this curry a healthy choice for a filling dinner. The curry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or chapati.
3. Green Chana (Chickpea) Curry
Green chickpeas, also known as ‘harbhara’, are a special variety found in Maharashtrian kitchens. When cooked in a green paste made with coriander, garlic, green chilies, and coconut, they create a rich, earthy curry that is a treat to the taste buds.
Why it’s perfect for dinner:
Green chana is packed with plant-based protein, making it an excellent vegetarian option for a satisfying meal. Its hearty and wholesome texture makes it a great choice for those craving a fulfilling dinner.
4. Maharashtrian Green Curry with Prawns
This variation takes the classic green curry to the next level by adding prawns, making it an indulgent seafood dish. The prawns are cooked in a green paste made of coriander, mint, coconut, and green chilies, and flavored with a touch of tamarind for that signature tangy taste.
Why it’s perfect for dinner:
This flavorful curry offers a light but rich dinner, combining the sweetness of prawns with the freshness of the green paste. It pairs beautifully with steamed rice or neer dosa (rice pancakes).
5. Maharashtrian Green Curry with Drumsticks (Moringa)
Drumsticks, or moringa, are packed with nutrients and antioxidants. When cooked in a spicy green curry made from fresh coriander, green chilies, garlic, and coconut, they provide a zesty, slightly bitter flavor that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
Why it’s perfect for dinner:
The light yet flavorful drumsticks offer a filling and healthy dinner option. The green curry is both refreshing and full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for a detoxifying, nutrient-rich meal.
6. Maharashtrian Tandoori Mushroom Green Curry
For mushroom lovers, this green curry brings the smoky flavor of tandoori mushrooms together with a fresh green paste made from mint, cilantro, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. The mushrooms are charred on a grill or in a pan to get that unique smoky tandoori flavor before being immersed in the green curry.
Why it’s perfect for dinner:
This innovative curry offers a smoky, spicy kick, combined with the earthy taste of mushrooms. It is low in calories and high in flavor, making it a great choice for a satisfying, light dinner.
How to Make Maharashtrian Green Curry at Home
Making Maharashtrian green curry at home is easy with a few key ingredients and some simple steps. Here’s a basic recipe for the green curry paste:
Ingredients for Green Curry Paste:
- 1 cup fresh coriander leaves
- 1/2 cup mint leaves
- 2-3 green chilies
- 1/4 cup fresh grated coconut
- 1-inch piece ginger
- 4-5 garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
Instructions:
- Prepare the Green Paste: In a blender, combine coriander, mint, green chilies, coconut, ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, and mustard seeds. Blend it into a smooth paste by adding a little water if needed.
- Cook the Curry Base: Heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and curry leaves. Once they splutter, add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
- Add the Green Paste: Add the freshly made green paste to the pan, stir well, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Main Ingredients: Add vegetables, dal, or seafood of your choice. Add water and cook until the ingredients are tender.
- Season and Serve: Adjust the seasoning with salt and a pinch of sugar, if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or flatbreads.
Conclusion
Maharashtrian Green Curry is a vibrant and healthy dish that makes for a perfect dinner choice. Whether you prefer vegetables, lentils, or seafood, the refreshing green curry is versatile enough to cater to all tastes. Full of fresh herbs, spices, and flavors, it’s not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition. Try these varieties to experience the essence of Maharashtrian cuisine in your next dinner!
