The humble peanut (or groundnut) can be truly considered as one of the staple snacks of India. Whether snapped open and enjoyed plain or used as a tempered seasoning in your favourite poha, the peanut has a truly universal appeal. All told though, it is the state of Maharashtra where the peanut transcends the mundane and finds itself as an exotic element in any Marathi thali – in the form of Peanut Chutney!

Unlike regular chutneys, this Maharashtrian chutney is actually dry. Locally known as Shengdana Chutney, it is perhaps made best in the region of Solapur – a land renowned for its prowess in harvesting peanuts. Locals use peanuts to add a zing in every meal, either whole or as a cold-pressed nutritious oil.

What Makes The Solapuri Peanut Chutney Truly Special?

If you’re wondering how this chutney is made, you would be surprised at how easy it is. Its key ingredients include peanuts, garlic, jeera, sugar, chilli powder, and salt. The idea is to gradually release the peanut oil into the rest of the ingredients as if brewing a sophisticated concoction. One requires all the patience in the world to do this activity but the result is worth the effort – a mild and nutty taste that instantly complements the bold flavours of the local Marathi thali.

We recommend buying Solapuri Peanut Chutney from brands like Aazol, that make the most scrumptious and fresh versions of this chutney. Aazol in particular is a home-grown initiative that specialises in capturing authentic Maharashtrian flavours in its locally-sourced products that include a range of chutneys, papads, masalas, and more.

The Solapuri Peanut Chutney is essentially a homemade chutney that is the perfect accompaniment to all your meals. Here are three such dishes that you can serve this utterly delicious Maharashtrian chutney with, adding the right bite of spices and peanuts to fire up your taste buds.

Varan Bhaat

How do you add a layer of crunchiness to the quintessential Maharashtrian Varan Bhaat – seasoned lentil curry served with boiled rice? The answer is the Solapuri Peanut Chutney! Varan Bhaat is often associated with comfort food, and adding a hint of this chutney is only going to make it even more delicious!

Tikhat Puri

A brilliant tea-time snack especially in winters, the Tikhat Puri is a deep-fried whole wheat puri flavoured with spices. Instead of spices, if peanut chutney is used as a flavouring agent, the recipe gets elevated to another level and will instantly gratify your senses.

Rice Bhakri

Another seemingly simple Maharashtrian dish, the Rice Bhakri is a flatbread made with rice flour, served hot with dollops of butter or ghee. If you’re bored of the usual flavour, then a smear of the Solapuri Peanut Chutney can instantly transform your Rice Bhakri into a heavenly appetiser.

Thalipeeth

Thalipeeth (multi-grain flatbread) can be made with a variety of ingredients and flour mixes by patting the dough into a flat disc with an open palm. Eaten round the year, you can relish this snack with the Solapuri Peanut Chutney. The lightly-spiced taste of Thalipeeth combined with the mild and nutty flavour of the chutney has a special place in every Maharashtrian’s heart!

The best thing about the Solapuri Peanut Chutney is that it is versatile and can be experimented with almost anything – even raita and salads! So, go ahead, put your chef caps on and cook the most delicious Maharashtrian delicacies.