Maharashtrian Varan Bhaat with Tup (The Ultimate Comfort Food)

Wash toor dal thoroughly, pressure cook with turmeric and water until it completely disintegrates – should look like yellow cloud.

Prepare tadka: heat ghee, add hing, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves until they splutter.

Pour tadka into the cooked dal, add jaggery and salt to balance the flavors. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Add goda masala at the very end – early addition makes it bitter. Stir and turn off the flame.

Serve hot rice in plate, make well in centre, add generous tup, then varan – mix with hand only for authentic experience.