Introduction: Ghavan-Ghatla is a delightful and traditional Konkani dish from the coastal region of Maharashtra. It holds a special significance during the auspicious month of Sawan as an offering to goddess Parvati. This wholesome meal consists of Ghavan, a pancake made from rice flour and cucumber, paired with Ghatla, a coconut kheer. Let’s dive into the flavors and cultural significance of this delicious recipe.

Konkan Cuisine: Celebrating Local Flavors

Konkan cuisine is known for utilizing local, seasonal ingredients to create warm and flavorful delicacies. Ghavan-Ghatla is one such cherished recipe, passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Konkani culture. It is often prepared during festivals, weddings, baby showers, and other celebratory occasions, bringing families together to enjoy its sweet and savory delights.

Sawan Somwar: A Time of Gratitude

The month of Sawan, also known as Shravan, brings heavy showers to the Konkan region, nurturing the rice fields and providing respite to farmers and fishermen. It is a time of gratitude, with various small festivals held to worship gods and goddesses. Among these is the Mangalagaur festival, where newly-wedded women pray to goddess Parvati and offer coconut-based delicacies like Ghatla as a token of devotion.

The Ghatla Preparation

Preparing Ghatla is a labor of love for the women along the coast. They skillfully extract coconut milk from freshly grated coconuts and blend it with jaggery, rice flour, and cardamom powder, creating a harmonious fusion of flavors. The rice flour thickens the Ghatla, which can be used as a curry to accompany warm Ghavan pancakes.

The Ghavan-Ghatla Recipe

Ingredients:

For The Ghavan

  • 1 cup grated cucumber (or 1 cup rice flour for plain Ghavan)
  • 1 cup grated jaggery
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup rice flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda

For The Ghatla

  • ¾ cup freshly grated coconut
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 3 tbsp jaggery
  • 2 tbsp rice flour
  • 1 tsp cardamom powder
  • Pinch of salt

Method:

  1. For the Ghavan, mix grated cucumber and jaggery in a pan and stir continuously. Add rice flour and mix well. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled mixture, rice flour, and baking soda. Add milk to achieve a slightly liquid consistency for the batter.
  3. To make the Ghavan, pour some oil onto a griddle and ladle the batter onto it, like a pancake.
  4. For the Ghatla, add shredded coconut, salt, cardamom, and jaggery to a pan. Melt the jaggery and add rice flour, stirring to avoid lumps.
  5. Gradually pour in the coconut milk and let it warm for a couple of minutes before removing it from the flame.
  6. Pour the Ghatla into a bowl, garnish with pistachios, and it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Conclusion

Ghavan-Ghatla, a delicious Konkani delicacy, holds a special place in the hearts of families along the Maharashtra coast. Prepared during Sawan as an offering to goddess Parvati, this wholesome meal celebrates local flavors and cultural traditions. With its sweet and savory combination, Ghavan-Ghatla is a must-have during festive occasions and brings joy to all who savor its delightful taste. So, celebrate Sawan Somwar 2023 with this authentic Konkani meal and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Konkan region.