At Paisley Experience, the essence of Maharashtra’s culinary heritage takes centre stage, and nowhere is this more apparent than in our ‘Sanacha Taat’ — a festive thaali that pays homage to the rich, layered history of traditional cuisine. Set beneath the boughs of a majestic banyan tree on our Alibaug farm, the Sanacha Taat is not just a meal; it’s an exploration of culture, community, and carefully preserved culinary techniques.
What is the Sanacha Taat?
The word ‘San’ denotes celebration, and a thaali is, at its heart, a grand platter. Together, the ‘Sanacha Taat’ at Paisley is a curated collection of dishes meant to celebrate special moments with a culinary journey that engages all senses. Drawing from heirloom recipes, especially those of the Pachkalashi and Agri communities, each element is chosen to deliver authenticity, reflecting the depth of Maharashtrian cuisine with a distinct local twist.
Crafted With Tradition: Ingredients and Techniques
The Sanacha Taat is prepared with meticulously sourced local ingredients, ensuring each flavour is vibrant, pure, and honest. Many ingredients come directly from our farm or trusted local vendors, championing the importance of seasonality and sustainability.
To bring out the best in these ingredients, the preparation involves traditional methods. Our wood-fired chool, for instance, infuses each dish with a rich, smoky essence impossible to replicate in a modern kitchen. This approach, along with hand-grinding spices and slow-cooking methods, allows flavours to develop deeply and naturally, connecting each meal to generations past.
Here’s a look at what awaits you on this special platter:
Hirva Vatana Bhaaji: This fresh green pea curry is delicately spiced, showcasing the sweetness of the peas balanced with subtle spices.
Batata Bhaaji: A classic potato dish that combines tender, golden potatoes with a hint of turmeric and mustard seeds, a comforting staple in any festive spread.
Varan: This simple yet soul-warming lentil dish is a Maharashtrian favourite, seasoned with minimal spices to let the natural flavours of the lentils shine.
Masale Bhaat: Spicy and aromatic rice cooked with traditional masalas and vegetables, this dish adds a burst of flavour and aroma to the meal.
Sada Bhaat: Plain, steamed rice — a must-have in any Maharashtrian thaali, perfect for pairing with the varan and various curries.
Puri: Crisp, fluffy puris made from whole wheat flour are perfect for scooping up the curries and bhajis on the thaali.
Kothimbir Vadi: These coriander-infused savoury fritters are a crispy, flavourful treat, bringing a delightful crunch to the meal.
Alu Vadi: Taro leaves rolled with spiced gram flour paste, steamed, sliced, and lightly fried, alu vadi is a festival delicacy cherished for its unique texture and taste.
Batata Bhajji: Potato fritters coated in a light gram flour batter and fried to golden perfection, adding a touch of indulgence.
Kakdichi Koshimbir: A refreshing cucumber salad that provides a cool contrast to the rich, spicy dishes on the thaali, lightly seasoned and sometimes topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated coconut.
Sheera: This warm semolina-based dessert, subtly sweetened and often flavoured with cardamom and saffron, is a traditional Maharashtrian delight during festive meals.
Ukdiche Modak: These steamed rice flour dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery are a much-loved festive treat, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Chutney: Whether it’s a fiery thecha or a cooling coconut chutney, chutneys in our thaali add a range of flavours that enhance every bite.
Homemade Pickle: Our seasonal, heirloom-recipe pickles add a tangy-sweet or spicy note to the meal, perfect for cleansing the palate between bites.
Salt, Lime, and Papad: A sprinkle of salt, a squeeze of lime, and a crisp papad serve as essential finishing touches to this festive thaali, heightening the flavours and providing texture.
The Sanacha Taat is more than a meal; it’s a celebration in itself, a reflection of Maharashtra’s food heritage brought to life with traditional recipes, local ingredients, and the rustic charm of our open-air dining under the banyan tree. Prepared with care, it captures the flavours, aromas, and spirit of Maharashtrian festivals.
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