Recipes

Ahh, Fried Modak (तळलेले मोदक) – the crunchy, golden cousin of the steamed Ukadiche Modak. These are especially popular during Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra and Konkan, as prasad for Bappa. They stay fresh longer than steamed modaks, making them a great travel-friendly or festive sweet.

Squid Masala (called Makal in Malvani or Kalama/ Kalamari Masala in Goa & Kerala) is a spicy, tangy seafood dish where squid rings are cooked in a flavorful masala base. It’s a Konkan-Malvani special, usually eaten with rice bhakri, neer dosa, or steamed rice.

Veg Dum Biryani is a fragrant, layered rice dish slow-cooked on dum (steam). Though biryani is usually meat-based, the vegetarian version is equally indulgent – packed with veggies, spices, saffron, and fried onions, each grain of rice bursting with aroma. It’s festive, comforting, and soul-satisfying.

Ukadiche Modak (उकडीचे मोदक) are steamed rice flour dumplings with a sweet coconut–jaggery filling. They are considered Lord Ganesha’s favorite and are a must during Ganesh Chaturthi as naivedya. Soft, melt-in-the-mouth, with a burst of cardamom-scented coconut inside.

“All Purpose Gravy” (base curry masala) – the kind used in Indian cooking, especially in restaurants, as a foundation for multiple dishes (veg & non-veg). This is often called Hotel Style Base Gravy or Mother Curry, and it saves a ton of time – you just add the key ingredient (paneer, chicken, veg, eggs, etc.) plus finishing spices, and your curry is ready.

Mixed Dal Tadka (मिक्स डाळ तडका) is a hearty, protein-rich comfort dish where 2–3 dals are cooked together, tempered (tadka) with ghee, garlic, and spices, and served hot with rice or roti. Unlike plain toor dal or moong dal, this mix has more depth, creaminess, and layers of flavor.

Egg & Sausages Noodles is a quick, Indo-Chinese style comfort meal – perfect for a busy evening or even a filling breakfast-for-dinner. It combines noodles stir-fried with scrambled eggs, sliced sausages, veggies, and sauces for that street-style smoky flavor.

Mutton Dum Biryani is the ultimate indulgence – tender, juicy mutton pieces layered with fragrant basmati rice, fried onions, saffron milk, and slow-cooked on dum (sealed steam). It’s royal, aromatic, and rich – perfect for feasts, weddings, and Eid.