This Rishi Panchami, Try

Rushichi Bhaji

For A Rustic Maharashtrian Mix Of Veggies

Rushichi Bhaji is a classic Maharashtrian dish that combines a variety of vegetables in a single meal. This dish is made with a variety of vegetables, such as tubers and green leafy vegetables and combines the tastes of spices and herbs. Rushichi bhaji differs from spicy vegetable curries in that it retains the vegetables' original taste, enhanced by coconut and tamarind. The dish is closely associated with the festival of Rishi Panchami, which is why it is common to find it being prepared in Maharashtrian homes during the festival. One of the key characteristics of rushichi bhaji is the variety of vegetables it uses. Recipes can differ across households and may include common vegetables such as pumpkin, snake gourd, raw banana, yam, and amaranth. Some households may use five different vegetables, while some may use many more. The recipe allows vegetables to be cooked together so that while one type of vegetable may soften, the others retain their texture. Peanuts give the dish a crunchy texture, and freshly grated coconut adds a subtle creamy texture. The cooking method is purposely simple, allowing for the different types of vegetables to take centre stage. In a traditional rushichi bhaji, seasoning is almost nonexistent, and different areas use varying amounts of ghee, oil, tamarind, jaggery, or spices. The method here uses just cumin and asafoetida to achieve a sweet, sour, earthy, mildly spicy dish, with the addition of green chillies, coconut, and tamarind. It can be enjoyed as part of a traditional Rishi Panchami meal with bhakri, rice bhakri or steamed rice.