If you are a vegan looking for something different yet interesting to add to your menu, look no further than varan bhaat. It is a part of Maharashtrian and Goan cuisine, and its primary ingredients are pigeon pea split beans and rice. Even if you aren’t a vegan, this dish will still hit the spot. Many Indians consider it to be 100% comfort food. As an added bonus, varan bhaat is perfect for people who don’t like spicy food, as it is noted for its non-spicy flavor.
Health Benefits
Toor dal, the primary ingredient in varan bhaat, is something you might not be familiar with. It is also known as, pigeon pea. Don’t let the name throw you off though, pigeon peas are very great for your health. It has been shown to stimulate growth, regulate blood pressure, counteract and prevent anemia, and even boost heart health. Toor dal is also a great way to achieve weight loss, bolster the immune system, increase energy levels, improve digestion, and eliminate inflammation.
Ingredients
cup rice: 1/2
cup toor dal: 1/2
water
asafoetida: 1 pinch
turmeric powder: 1 pinch
salt to taste
jaggery
How To Make Varan Bhaat
- Pour rice into a large pressure cooker pot.
- Pour toor dal in another pot.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
- Add 1 cup water, turmeric powder, and asafoetida to the dal.
- Mix well.
- Pour the pot of dal into a pressure cooker.
- Close and cook on medium heat until 3 – 4 whistles.
- Remove the dal from the cooker.
- Add salt and jaggery to the dal and mix well.
- Add 1 cup and 2-3 spoons of water to the rice.
- Add salt to rice.
- Mix well.
- Add 1 cup of water to it.
- Pour the pot of rice into the pressure cooker.
- Close and cook on medium heat until 3 – 4 whistles.
- Remove the rice from the cooker.
- Your varan and bhat are ready to serve.
Trivia
Varan bhaat is made during the Ganesh chaturthi festival in Maharashtra.