A Maharashtrian wedding food menu can be simple yet have meaningful tastes to them. Maharashtrian wedding photography is incomplete without the presence of the faces of the happy people having their fill during the reception. The menu can include healthier options which mean they can include a lesser amount of cream, butter, salt and anything that can pose as a health hazard.
It is basically vegetarian especially if the families of the couple are Brahmins. Else, sometimes there is non-vegetarian dishes present especially where there is strong Konkani influence present. The following are five basic dishes that are ever present in a wedding menu of the Maharashtrians
1. Kokum Sharbat – This summer drink from the state of Maharshtra is not very well known in other parts of India. It is an important part of a Maharashtrian wedding food menu and is often served as a welcome drink. It is mainly grown in the western coastal side of India especially in Malvan.
2. Bharli Vaangi – It is an authentic Maharashtrian dish and refers to the stuffed brinjal or aubergine in spicy gravy. This is a quintessential dish that is present in all the weddings as well as various functions. It is known to be packed with flavor due to a variety of spices present in the preparation and can be eaten either with rice or roti.
3. Puran Poli – Another one of the important items in a Maharshtrian wedding food menu is a puran poli which is a roti or parantha stuffed with a sweet filling of mashed chickpeas, jiggery and various spices. It is particularly famous in Maharashtra and is also made and served during festivals.
4. Masala Bhaath – This rice preparation is nothing but vegetable pulao but the spices used in it are authentic and flavorful. It is basically served as the main course in many Maharashtrian weddings and festivals. It is known to have a delectable texture along with a spicy flavor which is why it is such a popular dish.
5. Batata Vadas – Batata literally means potato in Marathi. A batata vada is basically a ball of mashed potatoes that is coated with a thick layer of batter made with chickpea flour. It can either be served with the main course or as an appetizer and best served with green chutney.
A Maharashtrian wedding food menu is best enjoyed in “pangats” which simply means parallel rows. After the guests have been seated comes the “chowrangs” which are short tables decorated with flowers and rangolis. Then comes a thali and several bowls for each of the condiments to be served upon. It is truly unique experience that needs to be experienced at least once.