Bhatachi Pej Recipe

Jennifer Segal

15 May, 2024

Explore the rich flavors of Maharashtra with our mouthwatering Bhatachi Pej recipe – a sweet symphony of tradition and taste!

Bhatachi Pej

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Indian
Category: Dessert
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 150 calories

Bhatachi Pej, also known as "Bhaat Pej" or "Bhatachi Kheer," is a traditional Maharashtrian sweet dish with deep cultural and culinary roots. This delightful dessert is a staple in Maharashtrian households, especially during festivals and special occasions.

The heart of Bhatachi Pej lies in its simplicity. It is primarily made with easily accessible ingredients, such as rice, jaggery, and grated coconut. The dish starts with rice being cooked until it turns into a mushy, porridge-like consistency. Then, a jaggery syrup is added, lending its characteristic sweetness. Grated coconut and a touch of cardamom powder infuse the dish with a rich and aromatic flavor.

Bhatachi Pej offers a delightful balance of sweet and slightly savory notes. The use of jaggery adds a unique depth of flavor, while the coconut provides a creamy and tropical twist. It's often garnished with roasted cashews and raisins, adding a delightful crunch and contrasting textures.

This dessert not only satisfies the taste buds but also represents the warmth and hospitality of Maharashtrian culture. It's an excellent example of how regional Indian cuisine showcases a harmonious blend of simple ingredients to create a memorable and comforting dish. Bhatachi Pej is a true reflection of the sweet, traditional flavors of Maharashtra.

Recipe

Discover the authentic Bhatachi Pej recipe, a delightful Maharashtrian sweet dish. Learn how to make this traditional treat at home!

Ingredients

1 cup rice
3-4 cups water
1/2 cup grated coconut
1/2 cup jaggery (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
A pinch of salt
1-2 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
Cashews and raisins for garnish (optional)

Method Instructions

Wash the rice and soak it for about 30 minutes.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the water to a boil. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling water. Cook until the rice is well-cooked and mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
While the rice is cooking, in another pan, melt the jaggery with a little water to make a jaggery syrup. Strain to remove any impurities.
Once the rice is cooked, add the jaggery syrup and mix well. Cook for a few more minutes, allowing the jaggery to blend with the rice.
Add grated coconut, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and cook for a few more minutes.
In a separate small pan, heat ghee and roast cashews and raisins until they turn golden.
Garnish the Bhatachi Pej with the roasted nuts and serve hot.

Recipe Video

Bhatachi Pej

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Recipe Tags: Bhatachi Pej, Bhatachi Pej Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Serving Bhatachi Pej is a simple and delightful process. Here's how you can serve this traditional Maharashtrian sweet dish:

Warm Serving: Bhatachi Pej is best enjoyed when it's still warm. So, ensure it's hot when serving.
Individual Bowls: Ladle the Bhatachi Pej into individual serving bowls or dishes. The serving size can vary according to your preference.
Garnish: If you like, you can garnish each serving with a few roasted cashews and raisins. This not only adds a pleasing crunch but also enhances the presentation.
Serve with Love: Place the bowls on the table, and serve with love and warmth. Bhatachi Pej is often shared during festive occasions or as a comforting dessert on regular days.
Accompaniments (Optional): While Bhatachi Pej is delicious on its own, some people enjoy it with a dollop of ghee on top. It's a matter of personal preference, and you can offer ghee on the side for those who want to enhance the flavor.

Tips

Rinse and Soak Rice: Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it for about 30 minutes. This will help the rice cook evenly and become mushy, which is essential for the texture of Bhatachi Pej.
Jaggery Quality: Use good-quality jaggery, as it can significantly impact the flavor of the dish. If your jaggery has impurities, consider straining it after melting to remove any particles.
Water Quantity: The amount of water you use to cook the rice can vary slightly based on the type of rice. The goal is to have the rice turn into a mushy consistency. Add water as needed to achieve this.
Grated Coconut: Freshly grated coconut is ideal for the best flavor. However, you can use frozen or desiccated coconut if fresh is not available.
Cardamom: Cardamom powder adds a delightful aroma. You can also crush cardamom pods to extract fresh seeds if available.
Stir Gently: While cooking, stir gently to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pan. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent burning.
Adjust Jaggery: The sweetness of Bhatachi Pej can vary based on personal preference and the type of jaggery used. Feel free to adjust the amount of jaggery to suit your taste.
Ghee for Garnish: The addition of ghee to garnish with roasted cashews and raisins enhances the flavor. It's optional but highly recommended for an authentic touch.
Serve Warm: Bhatachi Pej is best enjoyed while it's still warm. Reheat gently if needed before serving.
Personal Touch: Traditional recipes like Bhatachi Pej often have room for personal touches and adaptations. Feel free to experiment with flavors and textures to make it your own.

Ingredient Substitutes

Rice: You can substitute white rice with brown rice for a healthier version. However, note that brown rice may require a longer cooking time.
Jaggery: If you don't have jaggery, you can use brown sugar, palm sugar, or maple syrup as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly.
Grated Coconut: Freshly grated coconut is ideal, but you can use frozen grated coconut or desiccated coconut if fresh is not available. Rehydrate desiccated coconut if using.
Ghee: If you prefer a vegan or dairy-free option, you can substitute ghee with coconut oil or vegan butter for garnishing.
Cardamom: If you don't have cardamom powder, you can use ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
Nuts and Raisins: You can use different nuts like almonds, pistachios, or walnuts if you prefer or omit them entirely if you have nut allergies. You can also substitute raisins with dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots.