Another traditional Goan dish, Khatkhate, is a vegetable stew that is also popular in Saraswat households in Maharashtra and Karnataka, especially during Ganesh Chaturthi. It is believed to be a favorite dish of Lord Ganesha. Made with a variety of seasonal and perennial vegetables available during the month of Shravan, this dish has a unique and delightful taste. Each vegetable adds its own flavor and aroma, but the star ingredient is a small fruit called triphal(Sichuan pepper) (available in Goa and the Konkan region), which gives Khatkhate its distinctive taste and aroma. Therefore, triphal is an essential ingredient in Khatkhate.
Vegetables Used in Khatkhate:
- Radish
- Pumpkin
- Yam
- Eggplant
- Potato
- Raw banana
- Tender jackfruit
- Corn cobs
- Large cucumber
- Taro root (arbi)
- Drumstick
- Okra (especially the large variety available in Goa during Shravan)
- Bamboo shoots
Additionally, you can add carrots, ridge gourd, snake gourd, ivy gourd, sweet potatoes, and bottle gourd. Groundnuts or peas can be added if desired.
Preparation:
- Tempering: Heat oil in a pot and add mustard seeds, asafetida (hing), and crushed triphal. Add chopped green chilies and finely chopped or grated ginger.
- Cooking the Vegetables: Start by adding the vegetables that take longer to cook. Once they are partially cooked, add the quicker-cooking vegetables. Cook a cup of pigeon peas (toor dal), taro root, bamboo shoots, and corn in a pressure cooker.
- Combining: When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the cooked dal and vegetables from the pressure cooker. Add a cup of grated fresh coconut, tamarind pulp, and jaggery, and cook until everything is well combined. Your delicious Khatkhate is ready
In the traditional Goan recipe for Khatkhate, pigeon peas are not used. Instead, boiled green peas are added. Dried red chilies are used instead of green chilies, and the quantity of coconut is slightly higher. While grinding the coconut, add red chilies, black pepper, and coriander seeds. The rest of the preparation remains the same. This variation is equally delicious.
During Ganesh Chaturthi, families and friends come together, setting aside their differences and creating a joyful, playful atmosphere at home. This delightful dish, Khatkhate, symbolizes the essence of relationships. If everyone lives together harmoniously, life will be as flavorful and enjoyable as this delicious Khatkhate
