Tondli Bhaat
A classic Maharashtrian one-pot meal where tender ivy gourd is cooked with fragrant basmati rice and a special blend of spices called Goda Masala. It's a comforting, flavorful, and wholesome dish perfect for lunch.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preparation: Rinse the basmati rice under cool water until the water runs clear
- a.Soak the rice in fresh water for 20-30 minutes. While the rice soaks, wash the tondli, trim the ends, and slice each one lengthwise into four pieces. Thinly slice the onion.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Tempering (Tadka): Heat ghee in a 3-liter pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Tondli: Add the sliced onions and sauté for 6-7 minutes until they become soft and golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears. Now, add the sliced tondli and sauté for 4-5 minutes.
- 4
Add Spices and Rice: Reduce the heat to low
- a.Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and Goda Masala. Stir well and cook for one minute. Drain the soaked rice completely and add it to the cooker. Gently mix for a minute to coat the rice with the masala, being careful not to break the grains.
- 5
Cook the Bhaat: Pour in 3 cups of hot water and add salt
- a.Stir gently. Bring the mixture to a boil. For a pressure cooker, secure the lid and cook on medium heat for 2 whistles. For a pot, cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until all water is absorbed.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Rest, Garnish, and Serve: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes. This allows the steam to settle and grains to firm up. Open the lid, gently fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Soaking the rice is crucial for achieving long, separate, and fluffy grains.
- 2Always use hot water when cooking rice dishes like this; it helps maintain the cooking temperature and results in a better texture.
- 3Goda Masala is the soul of this dish. Its unique sweet and spicy notes are irreplaceable, but garam masala can be used in a pinch.
- 4Do not over-stir the rice after adding it to the pot, as this can cause the delicate grains to break.
- 5Letting the cooked rice rest for 10 minutes before fluffing is essential to prevent the grains from becoming mushy.
- 6Serve Tondli Bhaat with a side of plain yogurt, raita, or Maharashtrian solkadhi to complement the flavors.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Addition
Add 1/2 cup of diced potatoes, green peas, or carrots along with the tondli for a mixed vegetable bhaat.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Incorporate 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts or cashews during the tempering stage for added crunch and protein.
Grain SwapGrain Swap
For a more traditional and aromatic version, use a short-grain rice variety like Ambemohar, common in Maharashtra.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chilies and red chili powder, or add a teaspoon of Maharashtrian kanda lasun masala along with the Goda Masala for extra heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Supports Digestive Health
The ivy gourd (tondli) and whole spices in this dish provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Aids in Blood Sugar Management
Ivy gourd has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its potential anti-diabetic properties. It may help in managing blood glucose levels, making this dish a relatively good option for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Provides Sustained Energy
Basmati rice is a source of complex carbohydrates, which are digested slowly, providing a steady and sustained release of energy to keep you active throughout the day.
Frequently asked questions
Goda Masala is a unique Maharashtrian spice blend with a sweet and pungent aroma, containing ingredients like coconut, sesame seeds, and stone flower. It's key to the authentic taste. If you don't have it, you can use garam masala, but the flavor profile will be different.