Varan Bhat

Savor the comforting flavors of "Varan Bhat," a traditional Maharashtrian delicacy that combines simple yet aromatic ingredients for a soulful meal. This wholesome recipe features creamy toor dal (split pigeon peas) cooked with turmeric and tempered with fragrant ghee, cumin seeds, and crisp curry leaves. A dash of tangy lemon juice enhances its zest, creating a perfect medley of taste and nutrition. Paired with fluffy, steamed rice, this dish is a heartwarming way to enjoy an authentic Indian meal. Ready in just 40 minutes, Varan Bhat is the epitome of a quick, nourishing, and flavor-packed comfort food. Ideal for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, it brings a taste of tradition to your table.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 4 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 0.25 teaspoon Asafoetida (hing)
• 1 tablespoon Ghee
• 8 leaves Curry leaves
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 2 cups Cooked rice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the toor dal under running water until the water runs clear, then soak it in enough water for about 30 minutes.

Step 2

Drain the soaked dal and transfer it to a pressure cooker. Add 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt.

Step 3

Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on medium heat for about 3-4 whistles, or until the dal is soft and mushy.

Step 4

Let the pressure release naturally. Open the lid and mash the dal with a ladle to a smooth consistency. Add an additional cup of water if needed to adjust the consistency.

Step 5

In a small pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

Step 6

Add asafoetida and curry leaves, and sauté for another 10-15 seconds until the curry leaves become crisp.

Step 7

Pour this tempering over the cooked dal and mix well.

Step 8

Simmer the dal over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust salt to taste.

Step 9

Stir in the lemon juice just before turning off the heat.

Step 10

Serve the prepared varan hot over steamed rice, garnished with a little ghee if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1594.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1347.9

Total Fat 18.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 2428.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 240.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.6g	0%
Total Sugars 5.3g
Protein 55.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 260.9mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 3063.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 12.6%

Protein: 16.4%

Carbs: 71.1%