In India, people observe fast (upvas/upas) on various occasions such as Mahashivratri, Sankashti Chaturthi, Karwachauth etc. Common recipes prepared for fasting include Sabudana Khichdi, Bhagar, Rajgira puri, potato curry, sweet potato stir fry, fruit salad etc.
Bhagar is known as Variche Tandul in Marathi, Samo ke chawal or Moraiyo in Hindi and Barnyard Millet in English. This is a common Maharashtrian recipe made for fast. It is not only easy to make but healthy as well. The preparation is similar to upma.
It can be made in kadhai or pressure cooker. I usually make it in the pressure cooker as it’s quick and turns out well every time. It is served with shengdanyachi amti (peanut soup) and upasachi batata bhaaji ( Potato curry eaten during fasting).
Bhagar is gluten-free, low on carbs and high in fiber while Danyachi Amti (Peanut soup) is full of proteins and monosaturated fats. Such healthy food and that too delicious; what more can you ask for?
Bhagar (Variche Tandul or Samo ke chawal) is a Maharashtrian recipe prepared for fasting. This healthy and tasty dish is usually served with peanut soup and potato curry.
- 1+1/4 cup Bhagar (Variche Tandul)
- 2 Green Chillies
- 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
- 2 tbsp Clarified Butter (Ghee)
- 1 cup Potatoes Peeled and chopped
- 2 tsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Peanut Powder
- 3 cups Water
- Salt to taste
- Cilantro (finely chopped) optional
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In a pressure cooker, heat some ghee.
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Add cumin seeds. Once they sizzle, add in chopped green chillies and saute for few seconds.
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Now add medium chopped potatoes and mix well.
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Add bhagar, salt, sugar and mix well. Saute for few minutes.
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Now add water. Stir well and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
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Once cooked, sprinkle some cilantro on top. Serve hot with danyachi amti (peanut soup) and potato curry.
Step by Step Recipe of Bhagar:
- In a plate, take required amount of variche tandul (barnyard millet). Remove small stones/impurities if any. Gather rest of the ingredients.
- Heat pressure cooker on a medium flame. Add some ghee (clarified butter).
- Add in some cumin seeds, once they sizzle add chopped chilies.
- Now add chopped potatoes and saute for a minute.
- Add bhagar, salt and sugar. Mix well and saute for a while. Add peanut powder and mix again.
- Roast bhagar for few minutes.
- Add required amount of water and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
- Serve hot with shengdanyachi amti(peanut soup) and potato curry.
