When I think of classic Maharastrian food, I immediately think of fodni che varan (also known as tadka daal). Varan is essentially a lentil soup made of "toor daal," or yellow split pigeon peas.
Varan is very healthy and filling. Traditionally, varan was made in a pressure cooker. I don't own a pressure cooker, and as a working woman the slow cooker suits my lifestyle much better.
Varan is very healthy and filling. Traditionally, varan was made in a pressure cooker. I don't own a pressure cooker, and as a working woman the slow cooker suits my lifestyle much better.
Fodni (known as chaunk, tadka, and vaghar in different languages) is a mixture of spices cooked in "ghee," or clarified butter. This method of cooking the spices in the ghee releases the essential oils from the spices and enhances their flavor. You do not have to add fodni to your varan if you do not want to, but it adds a lot of flavor!