Zunka (Pitla)

                                              Zunka (Pitla)

It is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made with besan or chickpea flour and some vegetables. It can be served with chapati, Bhakri or with rice made dryor as a gravy.

                     

Ingredients:

1.    Oil, 2 tbsp

2.    Cumin ( jeera)

3.    Asafoetida (Hing), pinch

4.    Mustard seeds (sasam), 1 tsp

5.    Onion, 1 big, finely chopped

6.    Garlic, 4-5 cloves, finely chopped

7.    Ginger, ½ inch, finely chopped

8.    Green chillis, 2-3 slit or chopped

9.    Turmeric powder, ½ tsp

10.     Coriander powder, 1 tsp

11.     Kitchen king masala, 1 tsp

12.                       Tomato, 1 medium chopped

13.     Capsicum, ½ chopped (optional)

14.     Carrot, 1 chopped (optional)

15.     Cauliflower, 2-3 florets, chopped (optional)

16.     Corn seeds (jola bondo) , few seeds (optional)

17.     Green peas (optional)

18.     Salt to taste

19.     Besan or gram flour, ½ cup

20.     Water as required

21.     Coriander leaves, 2 tbsp, finely chopped

 

Instructions:

1.    Firstly, in a kadai, heat oil and splutter mustard seeds, cumin seeds and a pinch of hing.

2.    Add Onion chopped, garlic and also ginger. Then add green chillis and saute well.

3.    Let the onion fry till pink colour. Then add all the chopped vegetables. Add some water if required. Close the lid and let it cook.

4.                      After some time, add haldi powder, coriander powder, kitchen king masala and saute slightly without burning the spices.

Then add tomatoes and saute again. Add salt to taste.  

5.    When  it leaves the oil, add besan mixed with little water (make it a paste)

6.    Give a good mix make sure that there are no lumps.

7.    If it is too thick, you can add more water. You can add water in batches. It should not be too thick nor too thin.

8.    Cover and simmer for 5 more minutes.

9.    Finally, garnish with coriander leaves and switch off the flame. Enjoy Zunka with Bhakri or chapati or rice.