All About Masale Bhaat - Traditional Maharashtrian Rice Dish

Masale Bhaat is a very popular and traditional Maharashtrian rice dish, which basically is the Marathi version of vegetable pulao. The word 'Masale' refers to the generous use of traditional 'Goda masala' in this recipe and 'Bhaat' means rice in Marathi. The dish is an amazing combination of spicy flavors and mouth-watering textures. The dish is easily available even in the street side joints across Maharashtra and is relished nearly on a daily basis by the community.

Masale bhaat is inextricably linked with maharashtrian weddings as well and will always be found on menu in any Maharashtrian wedding. Traditional Marathi wedding is performed during the day time and the celebration starts with rituals in the presence of all the guests. After the rituals, guests are directed towards the lunch area, which is generally organized in big open halls. They are made to sit in long, orderly queues extending from one end to the other. Masale Bhat is one of the main course dish served to these wedding guests with the lunch.

Masale bhaat is full of taste and flavor and can be enjoyed just with a dollop of ghee. The most popular combo of course is with tomato saar, lemon juice and papad. A few variations are also possible in making masale bhaat with the change of added vegetables thus giving it a different look and flavor.

The traditional method of preparation of this dish needs a minimum of one hour time (which includes soaking of rice for 30 minutes and then preparation time of another 30 minutes) and one has to arrange for lots of ingredients (rice, spices, vegetables and the traditional masala).

In today's nuclear families, preparing such traditional dishes at home has become practically impossible for two main reasons: a) People are lacking in cooking expertise and b) Busy lifestyle leaves little or no time for preparing the time-consuming traditional dishes.

The ready to eat, ready-mix, ready to cook or instant dishes have become the need of hour and are in great demand these days. The people however do not easily rely upon ready to eat foods because they are not perceived as fresh foods; they lack nutrition and sometime contain preservatives too. Ready to cook foods are becoming the favorites because they are dehydrated ready mixes of the fresh ingredients and are generally devoid of preservatives.

Masale bhaat is also now available in the market in a ready to cook form with the name Actchawa Expres Meal / Actchawa Masale Bhat. This ready-mix product has easy method of preparation of only 12 minutes and gives the traditional taste of masale bhaat.

Dal Dhokli Is a Traditional, Healthy, Delicious and Wholesome Gujarati Dish!   

Quick Mexican Chicken, Tortilla, and Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

After a busy day you want to come home, get a meal on the table quickly, put your feet up and relax. This casserole is made from pantry ingredients. I bought extra tender, skinless, de-boned chicken breasts and sauted them. You may buy a rotisserie chicken and shred the meat, or use grilled chicken breasts, available in the grocery store deli or cheese aisle.

Salsa con queso is a slightly hot cheese sauce with green chiles and it gives the casserole a little "kick." The mild tomato salsa rounds out the flavors and also adds color. Use mild salsa, not medium or hot, if you have young children.

This is a meal -- protein, vegetable, and starch -- in one dish. If the broccoli flowers are large, cut them into smaller pieces. To round out the meal, serve buttered corn and a green salad. Quick Mexican Chicken, Tortilla and Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is a satisfying dinner or lunch. You may wish to make two casseroles, and freeze one for future use.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon extra light olive oil

15 ounces chicken breasts (about two cups, cooked)

5 wheat tortillas, 7 1/2" in size

15-ounce jar salsa con queso

2 cups frozen broccoli flowers, defrosted

8-ounce package reduced fat, shredded Mexican cheese (four cheeses combined)

1 1/2 cups mild chunky salsa

Method

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Pour olive oil into skillet. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and saute over medium heat until slightly brown. Coat a two-quart, 8" x 11" baking dish with cooking spray. Cut tortillas in half with kitchen shears. Lay three halves in bottom of baking dish. Layer half of the cooked chicken over the tortillas. Scatter half of the broccoli over the chicken. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over broccoli. Repeat layers once, finishing with three tortilla halves. Dot the tortillas with spoonfuls of chunky salsa. Cover casserole with release foil and bake for half an hour. Uncover and bake 15-20 minutes more, until the cheese is bubbly and the tortillas start to brown. Makes 6-8 servings.

Copyright 2012 by Harriet Hodgson

Dal Dhokli Is a Traditional, Healthy, Delicious and Wholesome Gujarati Dish!