Maharashtrian Golyachi Amti (Besan Balls in Tamarind-Based Spicy Gravy)
Introduction
Maharashtrian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and comforting dishes that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage. One such dish is Golyachi Amti, a traditional Maharashtrian recipe that combines spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors. The dish features gram flour (besan) balls—known as golyas—cooked in a tamarind-based gravy that is both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it with warm Tawa paratha or steamed rice, this hearty side dish will captivate your taste buds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 cup |
| Sunflower oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Green chillies (finely chopped) | 3 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 pinch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | A few |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 1 pinch |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Gram flour (besan) | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry coconut (kopra, grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds, powdered) | 1 teaspoon |
| Tamarind paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Jaggery (grated or amla-sized) | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) | A few |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Making the Golyas (Besan Balls)
- In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil over medium heat.
- In a mixing bowl, take 1 cup of gram flour (besan). Use your hands to break any lumps in the flour.
- Add the hot oil to the besan and mix well. The oil will bubble up as you stir, so be careful.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of ajwain (carom seeds), 1 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste, finely chopped green chilies, salt to taste, a pinch of turmeric powder, and a small amount of water to form a dough. The dough should not be too stiff or too loose, but stiffer than the dough for making pakodas.
- Once the dough is ready, divide it into small portions and shape them into small balls (golyas). Set them aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Amti (Spicy Gravy)
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a kadai (deep pan) over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and wait until they splutter.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds and let them sizzle. Then, add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) and a few curry leaves.
- When the curry leaves splutter, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and the raw smell of ginger garlic paste (added earlier) disappears.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of ginger garlic paste, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, salt to taste, and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder. Sauté the mixture for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to blend and release their aroma.
- While the spices are cooking, prepare a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of gram flour (besan) with about 4 cups of water. Stir the mixture until there are no lumps.
- Pour the besan slurry into the kadai and bring it to a boil. Stir gently to avoid lumps from forming.
- Once the water starts boiling, carefully drop in the besan balls (golyas) and let them simmer for 8-10 minutes. The balls will cook and soften in the gravy.
Step 3: Final Touches
- Add 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste, 2 teaspoons of grated jaggery, 1 teaspoon of sesame seed powder, and 1 teaspoon of dry coconut powder. Stir well and bring the gravy to a boil again.
- Be careful not to stir too vigorously, as the besan balls may break apart.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves and serve the Maharashtrian Golyachi Amti hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Maharashtrian Golyachi Amti with Tawa paratha, steamed rice, or a side of chapati for a complete meal. The tangy, sweet, and spicy gravy paired with the soft, flavorful besan balls makes for a comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/4 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 310 mg |
This Golyachi Amti recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it an ideal side dish for any meal. With a blend of tangy tamarind, sweet jaggery, and aromatic spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
