Katachi Amti: Spicy Accompaniment to Maharashtrian Puran Poli
Katachi Amti is an iconic Maharashtrian dish that pairs perfectly with Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread traditionally prepared during festive occasions. This spicy, tangy soup-like dish, made using the leftover stock from cooking Chana Dal (which is used as a stuffing for Puran Poli), is an integral part of Maharashtrian cuisine. The dal stock, known as “Kat,” forms the base of this dish, which is then flavored with a rich combination of aromatic spices, jaggery, and tamarind to achieve a unique balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dal Stock (leftover from cooking Chana Dal for Puran Poli) | 2 cups |
| Water | 1 cup (or as required to thin the stock) |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 to 2 |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Bay Leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Curry Leaves | 5 to 6, torn into pieces |
| Jaggery (grated) | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Tamarind Paste | 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste) |
| Maharashtrian Goda Masala | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | Handful, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Method of Preparation
-
Prepare the Base Stock:
Begin by mixing the leftover dal stock (known as “Kat”) with water to thin it out, adjusting the water amount as per the desired consistency.
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Tempering Spices:
Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. Allow them to splutter, releasing their aromatic flavor. -
Add Whole Spices:
To the pan, add the cloves, whole black peppercorns, and bay leaf. Fry for a few seconds, letting the spices release their fragrant oils. -
Add Cumin and Curry Leaves:
Add cumin seeds and torn curry leaves to the tempering. Stir the mixture briefly to blend the flavors. -
Combine Stock and Spices:
Pour in the diluted dal stock (Kat) to the tempered spices. Bring the mixture to a simmer. -
Flavor the Amti:
Add jaggery, tamarind paste, Maharashtrian Goda Masala, and salt. Stir well to combine the ingredients, allowing the jaggery to melt and the tamarind paste to dissolve fully. -
Simmer and Serve:
Allow the Katachi Amti to come to a rolling boil, ensuring all the flavors meld together. Once it reaches a boil, remove from heat and stir in the fresh coriander leaves. -
Serving:
Serve the piping hot Katachi Amti alongside your freshly prepared Puran Poli, or for a simpler meal, pair it with steamed rice.
Allergen Information
- Contains: None of the common allergens such as gluten, dairy, or nuts.
- Preparation Note: Ensure the spices are fresh and check the tamarind paste for any added preservatives if you are following a specific diet or allergy protocol.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This dish is completely vegetarian and can be enjoyed by those following plant-based diets.
- Vegan: Katachi Amti is vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.
- Gluten-Free: No gluten-containing ingredients are used in this dish, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free diet.
Cooking Tips & Variations
- Adjusting Spice Levels: You can vary the spiciness of Katachi Amti based on your preference by adjusting the number of peppercorns and the quantity of Maharashtrian Goda Masala.
- Sweetness: The amount of jaggery can be increased or decreased depending on your taste, giving you full control over the balance of sweet and savory in this dish.
- Add More Veggies: If desired, you can enhance the dish by adding vegetables such as onions, tomatoes, or even spinach to create a more hearty version of the amti.
Conclusion
Katachi Amti is more than just a side dishβit’s a vibrant representation of Maharashtrian culinary traditions. This flavorful, spicy broth complements the rich, sweet filling of Puran Poli, offering a perfect balance of tastes that is cherished during festive occasions. Whether served alongside Puran Poli or paired with plain rice, Katachi Amti is sure to be a hit at any meal. Itβs a warm, comforting dish that not only brings out the essence of Maharashtrian cuisine but also adds a deliciously unique flavor to your table.
