🍲 Maharashtrian Amti Recipe – Authentic Toor Dal Curry with Goda Masala

Maharashtrian Amti is a traditional Maharashtrian dal recipe made with toor dal (arhar dal), flavored with goda masala, tamarind, and jaggery. This sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy lentil curry is a staple in every Maharashtrian home and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or chapati.

This recipe is high in protein, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free, making it both healthy and flavorful.

🛒 Ingredients for Maharashtrian Amti (Serves 4)

Main Ingredients:

• Toor dal (arhar dal) – 1 cup

• Water – 3½ cups

• Tamarind pulp – 2 tbsp

• Jaggery – 1½ tbsp (adjust to taste)

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Salt – to taste

For Tempering (Tadka):

• Oil or ghee – 2 tbsp

• Mustard seeds – 1 tsp

• Cumin seeds – ½ tsp

• Asafoetida (hing) – a pinch

• Green chilies – 2, slit

• Garlic – 4 cloves, crushed

• Onion – 1 small, chopped (optional)

• Curry leaves – 6–8

• Goda masala – 1½ tsp

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation – Maharashtrian Amti

Step 1 – Cook the Toor Dal

1. Wash toor dal thoroughly 2–3 times until water runs clear.

2. Add dal, 3 cups water, turmeric, and a pinch of salt to a pressure cooker.

3. Cook for 3–4 whistles until dal is soft and mushy.

4. Mash the dal lightly and keep aside.

Step 2 – Prepare Tamarind & Jaggery

1. Soak tamarind in ¼ cup warm water for 10 minutes and extract the pulp.

2. Keep jaggery grated or chopped for easy mixing.

Step 3 – Make the Tadka

1. Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan.

2. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.

3. Add cumin seeds, hing, curry leaves, and green chilies.

4. Add crushed garlic and sauté until golden brown.

5. Optional – Add chopped onions and sauté until soft.

Step 4 – Add Spices & Dal

1. Add goda masala and red chili powder; sauté for a few seconds to release aroma.

2. Pour the cooked dal into the tempering.

3. Add tamarind pulp, jaggery, and salt.

4. Add ½–1 cup water to adjust consistency.

Step 5 – Simmer & Serve

1. Simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until flavors blend.

2. Taste and adjust jaggery, tamarind, or salt as needed.

3. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

🍛 Serving Suggestions

• Traditional Way: Serve hot amti with steamed rice, a dollop of ghee, and papad.

• With Roti: Pair with chapati, bhakri, or jowar roti.

• Festive Meal: Include in a Maharashtrian thali with puran poli, batata bhaji, and koshimbir.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Maharashtrian Amti

• Goda Masala is key: Use fresh homemade or authentic store-bought goda masala for real flavor.

• Balance flavors: Adjust tamarind and jaggery for your preferred sweet-tangy taste.

• Consistency: Amti should be medium-thick—not watery, not too thick.

• Vegan version: Use oil instead of ghee.

• Extra richness: Add fresh coconut paste for a creamy twist.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

• Authentic Taste: Brings real Maharashtrian home flavors.

• Healthy: High in protein, fiber, and minerals.

• Versatile: Can be served with rice or roti.

• Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Maharashtrian (Western India)

• Region: Maharashtra – especially popular in Pune, Mumbai, and Konkan

• Best Served With: Steamed rice, chapati, or bhakri

Background:
In Maharashtra, amti is not just a dal—it’s an emotion. It’s the perfect blend of flavors: sweetness from jaggery, tang from tamarind, and warmth from goda masala. This special masala, unique to Maharashtrian kitchens, is made from roasted spices and coconut, giving the dal a rich aroma and earthy taste.

Interesting Facts :-
This Maharashtrian Amti Recipe is the perfect comfort food—light, flavorful, and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for everyday meals or a festive thali, its sweet-tangy-spicy blend will make it a favorite in your kitchen.