on Feb 07, 2024, Updated Mar 11, 2024 Love Maharashtrian cuisine? Then do try these too: Misal Pav, Bharli Vangi, Masale Bhat, Puran Poli, and Shengdana Amti. During our stay in Pune, I am learning to make as many Maharashtrian dishes from my cook as I can. After figuring out how to make Pithla, it was time to try Zunka. Both recipes use similar ingredients but are very different in taste and texture.
About Zunka
Zunka (Jhunka) is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made using chickpea flour (besan, gram flour), onions, and spices. There is another popular Maharashtrian dish made using besan: Pithla. Zunka is a dry version of it. It is a great dish when you are out of fresh veggies. Traditionally, Zunka is served with Jowar Bhakri, Thecha, and Taak. Zunka Bhakri (Zunka Bhakar) is a popular combination in Maharashtra. Ensure you eat it hot; if you keep it longer, it will get drier and won’t taste as good as the fresh one. Oil – Traditionally, it is made in peanut oil, but you can use any cooking oil. Onions and Garlic – I love the taste these two ingredients add to this simple dish. Spices – You will need spices such as turmeric powder, garam masala powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Green Chilies – Adjust as per your taste. Others – You will need asafatida (hing), brown mustard seeds, cumin seeds, cilantro (fresh coriander leaves), and warm water. Skip adding asafetida for a gluten-free version. Add some chopped fenugreek leaves (methi), spinach (palak), green bell pepper (capsicum), or spring onions to make zunka even more delicious. Add the following ingredients once the oil is hot, and let them crackle for 3-4 seconds.
¼ teaspoon asafetida ½ teaspoon brown mustard seeds ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
2 teaspoon finely chopped garlic 2 teaspoon finely chopped ginger 1 teaspoon finely chopped green chilies 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro ½ cup chopped onions
Cook until onions turn pink, stirring frequently. Add the following ingredients and cook for 3-4 minutes. Mash the mixture using the back of a spoon until all the lumps are broken and the mixture is uniformly crumbly.
½ teaspoon turmeric powder 1 teaspoon garam masala powder 2 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder 1 cup besan 1 teaspoon salt
Besan Bhindi
Besan Halwa
Besan Chilla
Besan Bhari Mirch
