Bhoghichi Bhaaji/ A Winter Delicacy

Bhoghichi Bhaaji is a traditional Maharashtrian vegetarian dish, made with abundantly available seasonal winter vegetables. There are many cultures that make similar combinations, like the Konkani gajbaje or Gujarati Undiyu, each definitely has a distinct taste. Bhogichi Bhaaji is usually made on Bhogi which is the first day of the four-day Maka Sankranti festival, hence the name. Of course, it can be made at other times as well.

Winter is the time when a variety of vegetables are available in plenty. This preparation also uses sesame seeds which are perfect for the winter. They add a distinct crunch and make the food more tasty and attractive, and also due to the nutrition it carries, it's chock full of essential nutrients. . Sesame seeds are a must-have in cold weather as they keep your body warm for long periods of time. They are also rich in fibre, iron calcium, Vitamin E and antioxidants, which keeps hair and skin healthy and moisturised during winters.

Enjoy this very special recipe of BHOGICHI BHAJI, super tasty and super easy to make.

Recipe

Ingredients: Assortment of veggies (you can use any combination of veggies)

• 1 carrot, peeled and cubed

• 1 or 2 potatoes peeled and diced

• 3/4 cup green chaNa/green garbanzo(I didnt have so I replaced with Tuvar Lilva)

• 3/4 cup fresh pigeon peas/Lilva (I used it instead of Green Chana)

• 15 flat beans/Valor/papdi , cut into pieces

• 1 cup of cut and cubed banana nut squash

• 10 - 15 gherkins/tindora cut

• few sprigs of fenugreek /methi leaves

• 2 - 3 green chillies, finely chopped

• 1 - 2 tbsps roasted peanuts

• 1 - 2 tbsps roasted sesame seeds /til

Seasoning:

• 1 tbsp oil (I use canola, or avocado oil)

• 1 tsp Maharashtrian GODA masala (use Garam masala as replacement)

• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds/jeera

• 1 tsp. mustard seeds

• 1/4 tsp turmeric /haldi powder

• 1/4 tsp asafoetida/hing

• 1/4 tsp black pepper pd

For Garnishing:

Coriander/Cilantro leaves, finely chopped

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Steps:

1. Heat a pan on medium heat, and add in the oil.

2. Add the mustard and cumin seeds, and allow them to crackle.

3. Turn heat to low, and next add the green chillies, hing, goDa masala, and turmeric and pepper powders. Roast till a nice aroma fills the air. Take care not to burn the spices. You can add more green chillies to make the Bhaji spicier.

4. Add in the veggies, and mix well so as to coat and blend the veggies with the masala. Add salt to taste and sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of water and mix well. Cook on medium for 10 - 15 minutes till the veggies are almost cooked. Add another tablespoon of water if needed. Make sure the veggies don't burn the bottom of the pan.

5. In the mean time, powder the roasted peanuts and sesame seeds and keep aside. Once the veggies are almost cooked, add the roasted peanut and sesame seed powder. Check the salt and spices and adjust if needed.

6. Cook uncovered for couple more minutes, and cook till dry.

7. Finally garnish with the lemon juice and cilantro.

8. You can serve the Bhogichi Bhaji with phulkas or rotis, or you can serve it with Varan Bhath.

Notes:

You can use any combination of veggies. Methi/fenugreek leaves can be used too.