Main Course

Varan Bhaat

Name: Varan Bhaat
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: indian, maharashtrian
Ingredients: 0.75 cup toor dal rinsed; 3 cup water; 0.25 tsp turmeric powder; 0.75 tsp salt; 1.5 cup basmati rice rinsed; 3 cup water; 1 tbsp oil; 0.5 tsp mustard seed; 0.5 tsp cumin seed; 0.25 tsp asafetida; 1 pcs green chili slit; 8 pcs curry leaf; 2 tbsp cilantro chopped

Varan Bhaat is a comforting and nutritious staple from Maharashtra, India, featuring simple, lightly spiced lentil stew (varan) served over steamed rice (bhaat). This vegan recipe offers a taste of home-cooked simplicity and warmth.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 40 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 438 kcal

VeganVegetarianGluten-free

Allergen information: may contain mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

varan

0.75 cuptoor dal, rinsed
3 cupwater
0.25 tspturmeric powder
0.75 tspsalt

bhaat

1.5 cupbasmati rice, rinsed
3 cupwater

tempering

1 tbspoil
0.5 tspmustard seed
0.5 tspcumin seed
0.25 tspasafetida
1 pcsgreen chili, slit
8 pcscurry leaf

garnish

2 tbspcilantro, chopped

Equipment

small pan · pot · whisk · pressure cooker

The method

Step by step

1
Combine the varan toor dal, water, turmeric powder, and half of the salt in a pressure cooker.
2
Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles, then allow the pressure to release naturally.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: Alternatively, cook in a pot until dal is very soft, about 30-40 minutes.
3
While the dal cooks, combine the bhaat basmati rice and water in a separate pot.
4
Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until all water is absorbed.
About 15 min
5
Once the dal is cooked, mash it thoroughly with a whisk or masher until smooth.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Add a little hot water if it's too thick.
6
Heat the oil in a small pan over medium heat for the tempering.
About 1 min
7
Add the mustard seed and let them splutter.
About 1 min
8
Add the cumin seed, asafetida, green chili, and curry leaf, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
About 1 min
9
Pour the tempering over the mashed dal and stir well. Add the remaining salt to taste.
About 1 min
10
Serve the varan hot over the steamed bhaat basmati rice, garnished with cilantro.
Cook’s note: Enjoy with a squeeze of lime or a spoonful of ghee (if not vegan).

Per serving

Nutrition

75%Score

Calories: 437.6kcal
Protein: 13.6g
Carbs: 82.7g
Fat: 5.1g
Fibre: 6.1g
Sugar: 1.7g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover varan and bhaat separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat varan gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed. Reheat rice in the microwave or by steaming.