RAGDA PATTICE

Maharashtrian or Marathi cuisine is the cuisine of the Marathi people from the Indian  state of Maharashtra. It has distinctive attributes, while sharing much with other Indian cuisines. Traditionally, Maharashtrians have considered their food to be more austere than others. Maharashtrian cuisines includes mild and spicy dishes. Wheat, rice, jowar, bajra, vegetables, lentils and fruit are dietary staples. Peanuts and cashews are often served with vegetables. Meat was traditionally used sparsely or only by the well off until recently, because of economic conditions and culture.

The urban population in metropolitan cities of the state has been influenced by cuisine from other parts of India and abroad. For example, the South Indian dishes idli and dosa, as well as Chinese and Western dishes such as pizza, are quite popular in home cooking, and in restaurants. Distinctly Maharashtrian dishes include ukdiche  modak, aluchi patal bhaji, Kande pohe and Thalipeeth.

From the world-famous pav bhaji to the delicious pohe, Maharashtra food has a lot to offer. Food of Maharashtra of Maharashtrian cuisine can be broadly classified into two styles-Konkan and Varadi. Konkan being from the coastal region has influences from Goan, Saraswat, Gaud and Malvani regions. Varadi cuisine, on the other hand, belongs to the Vidarbha region. Some spices like Goda Masala, Kokum, Tamarind and Coconut  are essential ingredients in the Maharashtrian kitchen. Maharashtrian cuisine is considered to be very diverse as the flavours and spice level differ in different parts of the state.

The much famed Ragda Patties or as the locals would name it Ragda 'pattice' ( a localised version on the English 'patties') is a part of Maharashtra's delicious street food that one should never leave out on. It is a yet another lip-smacking street food in Mumbai which is prepared by using curried dried peas and patties. These potato patties are dipped in the Ragda gravy and topped with chaat chutneys, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, crispy sev and cilantro. The dish is regularly served at all restaurants in Maharashtra and is also an important part of the local street food as well.