Gatari Amavasya 2024 Mutton Dishes: From Saoji, Sukka and Kala Curry, 5 Non-Veg Delicacies That You Can Eat Before Shravan Month Begins in Maharashtra

Gatari Amavasya, a unique regional festival celebrated in Maharashtra, is an occasion marked by merriment and feasting. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, particularly by non-vegetarian food lovers. Gatari Amavasya marks the end of the month of Ashadha and is a day dedicated to indulging in rich and hearty meals before the onset of the holy month of Shravan, which is often observed with fasting and abstinence from non-vegetarian food. Gatari Amavasya 2024 will be celebrated on August 4. One of the highlights of Gatari Amavasya is the array of mutton dishes that grace the dining tables. We at LatestLY, have curated the most popular Maharashtrian mutton dishes you can enjoy on Gatari Amavasya 2024.

1. Saoji Mutton

Saoji mutton, a speciality from the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, is renowned for its fiery heat and robust flavours. The dish is characterised by its spicy and aromatic masala, made from a blend of black pepper, dried red chillies, and spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and bay leaves. The mutton is slow-cooked in this masala, allowing it to absorb the rich flavors. This dish is considered the hottest in the state and can be enjoyed with steamed rice or roti.

Watch the Recipe Video of Saoji Mutton:

2. Kolhapuri Tambda Rassa

Kolhapuri Tambda Rassa, hailing from Kolhapur, is another hot favourite during Gatari Amavasya. ‘Tambda’ translates to red in Marathi, and this dish is named after its vibrant red colour, which comes from the liberal use of red chillies. The curry is made using a blend of spices, including freshly ground Kolhapuri masala, which is a mix of dried red chillies, coriander seeds, cumin, and other spices. The mutton is cooked in this masala until tender, creating a rich and spicy gravy typically enjoyed with bhakri or steamed rice.

Watch the Recipe Video of Kolhapuri Tambda Rassa:

3. Mutton Sukka

Mutton sukka, also known as mutton dry, is a dish that highlights the rich flavours of marinated mutton cooked with spices until all the water evaporates, leaving behind a thick, flavourful coating. This dish combines grated coconut, curry leaves, green chillies, and a medley of spices that give it a distinctive taste. The slow-cooking process ensures that the mutton pieces are tender and infused with aromatic spices, making it a perfect appetizer or a main course dish.

Watch the Recipe Video of Mutton Sukka:

4. Malvani Mutton Curry

Malvani mutton curry is a classic from the Southern coast of Maharashtra. This dish is known for using coconut and kokum, which give it a unique tangy flavour. The curry is prepared using freshly ground Malvani masala, made from a blend of coriander seeds, cumin, dried red chilies, and coconut. The mutton is cooked in this fragrant masala, along with onions, tomatoes, and kokum, creating a rich, tangy, and mildly spicy dish. The use of fresh coconut adds a creamy texture to the curry, making it a delightful dish to enjoy with rice or roti.

Watch the Recipe Video of Malvani Mutton Curry:

5. Kala Mutton Curry

Kala mutton curry, meaning black mutton curry, gets its name from the dark, roasted spices used in its preparation. This dish is a speciality of the Maharashtrian region and is known for its deep, smoky flavours. The unique taste comes from the black masala, made by roasting spices such as black pepper, cloves, and dried coconut until they turn dark. The mutton is then cooked in this masala along with onions and tomatoes, resulting in a rich and intensely flavoured curry that pairs beautifully with bhakri or steamed rice.

Watch the Recipe Video of Kala Mutton Curry:

Gatari Amavasya is not just a festival but a celebration of flavours and culinary traditions. The mutton dishes enjoyed during this festival are a testament to the rich and diverse food culture of Maharashtra. The above-mentioned mutton dishes are a treat for the taste buds and a reflection of the state's regional diversity and culinary heritage. As families and friends gather to celebrate Gatari Amavasya, these mutton delicacies play a central role in the festivities, making the occasion truly special and memorable.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2024 01:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).