8 traditional and comforting Maharashtrian rice dishes that are worth a try

Maharashtrian cuisine is known for offering a wide range of flavours and dishes. And when it comes to rice (bhaat), the cuisine uses different variations, spices, and seasonal ingredients that help keep the gut healthy and taste buds happy. Take a look at 8 must-try traditional Maharashtrian rice dishes.

This is a nutritious rice dish made with prawns, rice, vegetable oil, spices, Maharashtrian goda masala powder, curry leaves, sugar, salt, coconut, and fresh coriander leaves.

Tendli or ivy gourd is a summer-friendly ingredient and when cooked with rice, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and goda masala, it results in a nutrient-rich dish, which is full of flavours and can be enjoyed as lunch or dinner. (Image: Instagram/superduperkitchen)

This rice dish is made with eggplant, which is pan-fried with cooked rice and is seasoned with a special spice powder made with nuts, fenugreek seeds, coriander seeds, lentils, dried red chilli, and salt.

This Maharashtrian dish is made with cooked rice mixed with ghee and metkut powder, a traditional spice mix made with chana dal, urad dal, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, chilli powder and other spices.

Also known as Maharashtrian rice, this is a flavourful dish made with vegetables like peas, potatoes, and cashews and also uses a special Maharashtrian masala.

Made with leftover rice, it uses oil, mustard seeds, curry leaves, red onion, spices, lemon juice, salt, and sugar. It looks very similar to Lemon Rice.

Also known as Matar Bhaat, this dish is made with rice, green peas, and spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger. It is best served with curd and pickle. Light yet comforting, it is often cooked during winter and festive days, valued for its simplicity, aroma, and the way it brings warmth without heaviness to the meal. Its gentle flavours suit lunches, travel meals, and feasts, offering nourishment, balance, and familiarity while allowing seasonal peas to remain the centre of the plate.

Made with cabbage, this is one of the many variations of spiced rice dishes of Maharashtra, that also uses a lot of spices along with jaggery and hing.