Maatoda is considered a delicacy among our Tanjore Maharashtians.
Though time consuming it is an easy recipe which is relished even more easily.
My grandma, Indira Ramarao(daughter of Koviladi Madhav Rao) married to C.H. Ramarao, whose authentic recipes I am sharing.
MAATODA BHAJJI
Ingredients:
- Tur dal-1 cup
- Red chilli-10 long
- Asafoetida-1/8 tsp
- Green chilli-4
- Mustard-1/2 tsp
- Curry Leaves-1 stem
- Banana flower-1 flower(optional) OR Cluster beans-1/2 cup chopped(optional)
- Oil for frying
- Salt as per taste
Method:
- Soak the tur dal with red chillis for 3 hours or more drain and keep ready.
- In a blender add the drained tur dal, red chillis, salt, asafoetida and green chillis and ground them coarsely and keep aside.(neither powder nor paste)
- Cut the banana flower in very thin shapes and add them to salt water to avoid rancidification. (only if using banana flower)
- Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Use a spoon or hand mix the coarsely ground mixture with curry leaves and banana flower OR chopped cluster beans.
- Now add the mixture to the seasoning (spluttered mustards & oil) and mix till the oil gets slightly separates. Let it cook on low flame on closed lid.
- Cook till the mixture becomes soft.
- Optionally you can roast it by frying it further.
- Be careful to take out the pistil ("chorta") and calyx(scale like outermost petal)
- Use either banana flower OR cluster beans at one time.
- You can cook the Maatoda without the banana flower or cluster beans too.
- The Maatoda is a heavy dish and must be combined with a light gravy.
- It can also be had as "bhajji bath".
Delicious MAATODA is now ready!!!!
