‘Bhogi’ is the first day of the four-day Pongal festival and Makar Sankranti which is usually celebrated on 13th January. Different states in India celebrates this festival with different names. In Maharashtra & Gujarat, it is celebrated as Sankranti or Uttarayan, in south India it is Pongal, in Bengal it is Poush Sankranti whereas in Punjab its celebrated as Lohri. Same festival, different names in different states but the purpose behind each celebration is same happiness, prosperity and harvest.

‘Bhogi’ festival is celebrated in honour of Lord Indra who is known as the god of rain. Lord Indra is worshiped by farmers and people to seek his blessings for good harvest thereby bringing wealth and prosperity. During this festive season traditional food items are prepared according to the states. In this post I will be sharing traditional Maharashtrian bhogi bhaji which is especially made on ‘Bhogi’ to celebrate this festive day.

Bhogi’s special Vegetable (Bhaji) which is relished with Bajra roti (bhakri) and moong khichadi. Basically Bhogi Bhaji is a mix of seasonal vegetables available on these days(during winter). It is eaten with Bhajra (millets) roti traditionally known as Bhakri.

As, I reside out of India I was unable to get fresh green chickpeas which is also required for this dish but by not adding doesn’t much change the taste.

Ingredients for Bhoji Bhaji

Vegetables

• 1cup cut flat green beans (using both outer cover & beans)
• 2 small egg plants(brinjal) chopped
• ½ carrot cut into small pieces
• ½ cup green peas
• 1 small potato chopped
• few soaked groundnuts

For Gravy

• 1 small size onion chopped
• ½ tomato chopped
• 1tsp sesame seeds
• 1tsp groundnut
• 2tsp of grated coconut
• Masala – 1teaspoon (chilli powder, coriander powder, jeera powder, salt & turmeric).

 

 

 

 

Step by step Method

Let’s first prepare gravy

1. One by one roast groundnuts, grated coconut powder, sesame seeds and in last chopped onions in a pan/kadai, then keep it aside.

2. In a mixer Jar add all these roasted ingredients, chopped tomatoes, and masala (chilli powder, coriander powder, jeera powder). add little water if required to make fine paste.

3. Grind it nicely until a fine paste is formed. Once done keep a kadai on gas stove add 3 tsp of oil. Once warm add this gravy into it and saute it nicely for 5 minutes.

 

4. Stir gravy frequently to avoid burning. Now, gravy is ready we just need to add all chopped vegetables, salt, turmeric powder and 1 glass of water. mix it nicely and cover it with lid. let it cook for 5-7minutes. 

 

5. Bhogi Bhaji is ready to be served. you can taste it for any addition of salt or chilli powder according to your choice.

Serve this Bhaji with hot bhakri and moong khicadi on this festive day.

 

Every person has different style or method of preparing this same bhaji. If you do not like gravy or have no time to prepare it. Then just saute onion, tomato in oil add vegetables, masala, sesame seeds or powder & groundnut powder. you can make it dry bhaji. 

(Note: few photos/picture colors might vary from original because of light effect/camera)

Benefits: It is healthy, tasty and all vegetables are available easily. Taste can be adjusted as per Individual. you can even add 1/3 teaspoon jaggery. 

 

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is solely my views of a place and food. This is not to offend any class, religion, ethnicity or nation. My views can change from time to time based on my latest experience. I am an independent owner of this site and the views expressed in this are my own. All photographs are owned by me.

Till Then

Stay Happy & Healthy!!!