Ganeshotsav food in Maharashtra is not just limited to modak. A festival meal can bring together rice, dal, vegetables, fried snacks, flatbreads and sweets. The dishes served may change from one household to another, but the menu is usually vegetarian.
Preparing the entire spread at home requires time, particularly when the family is also managing the puja and receiving visitors. Food-delivery platforms such as Zomato may offer Maharashtrian thalis, sweets and snacks from nearby restaurants. Availability will depend on the city and delivery address, but these are some of the dishes worth searching for.
Ukadiche Modak
Ukadiche modak has a steamed rice-flour covering filled with coconut and jaggery. Cardamom, poppy seeds and dry fruits may also be added to the filling.
The word “ukad” refers to the process used to prepare the rice-flour dough. Since these modaks are steamed, they are generally served warm with ghee. Select a nearby outlet and check whether the modaks are made to order.
Fried Modak
Fried modaks have a wheat flour or maida covering, with coconut and jaggery commonly used for the filling. They have a different texture from ukadiche modaks and are easier to transport.
Fried modaks may also have a longer shelf life, but storage instructions can vary according to the filling.
Puran Poli
Puran poli is prepared by stuffing a flatbread with cooked chana dal and jaggery. Cardamom or nutmeg may be used for flavour. It is commonly served with ghee, milk or a savoury dal preparation.
Restaurants may offer puran poli as a separate dish or include it in a Ganeshotsav thali. Check whether ghee is part of the order and how many pieces are included in one portion.
Varan Bhaat
Varan bhaat brings together cooked rice and a simple dal preparation. Ghee and lemon may be added while serving. It can balance a meal that also contains fried snacks and sweets.
Varan and rice may be listed separately on a delivery app. Check the portion size before ordering for a family because a standard serving may be meant for one person.
Masale Bhaat
Masale bhaat is a spiced rice dish that may contain vegetables such as brinjal, peas or tendli. The spice mix and ingredients can vary from restaurant to restaurant. It can be ordered along with the main meal and served with curd, raita or koshimbir . Check the dish description if anyone in the family has an allergy to peanuts, coconut or other ingredients used in Maharashtrian cooking.
Batata Bhaji and Puri
Batata bhaji is a potato preparation commonly paired with puri. The dish may contain mustard seeds, curry leaves, turmeric and green chillies. Some versions may also include onion.
If your family avoids onion and garlic during the festival, confirm the recipe with the restaurant. Also check the number of puris provided in a meal or combo.
Amti
Amti is a Maharashtrian dal with a balance of spice, sweetness and sourness. Toor dal is commonly used, along with a regional masala. Jaggery, tamarind or kokum may be added, depending on the recipe.
It can be eaten with steamed rice or masale bhaat. Since the flavour and ingredients change between households and restaurants, read the menu description before ordering.
Kothimbir Vadi
Kothimbir vadi is prepared with coriander leaves, gram flour and spices. The mixture is steamed, cut into pieces and may then be shallow-fried or deep-fried.
It can be served as a snack to visitors or added as a side dish at lunch. Check whether chutney is included and whether the serving size is mentioned by weight or number of pieces.
Sabudana Khichdi and Vada
Sabudana khichdi and sabudana vada are made with tapioca pearls, potatoes and peanuts. These dishes may be considered for guests who are fasting.
However, restaurant recipes do not automatically meet every vrat requirement. Ask whether sendha namak is used and whether onion, garlic or other restricted ingredients are included. Peanuts are commonly used, which is important for people with allergies.
Shrikhand and Puri
Shrikhand is made by straining curd and mixing it with sugar. Cardamom, saffron and nuts may be added. It is generally served chilled and paired with puri.
Some restaurants sell shrikhand by weight, while puris need to be ordered separately. As it is a dairy product, place it in the refrigerator if it will not be served immediately.
Ganeshotsav or Maharashtrian Thali
A festival thali can include several dishes in fixed portions. Depending on the restaurant, it may contain puri, chapati, rice, varan, amti, potato curry, another vegetable, koshimbir, pickle, papad, puran poli and modak.
The menu is not standard across outlets. Read the complete item list rather than relying on the photograph. For a group order, compare the price of multiple thalis with the cost of buying full portions of rice, dal, vegetables and breads separately.
Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi Food Guide: Modaks, Maharashtrian Meals and Fasting Options