Long before the Naveen Pattanaik government announced the populist measure of offering 'bhata-dalma' or rice and dal cooked with veggies at a subsidized rate for the poor in Odisha, the Maharashtra government also had a scheme which offered 'zunka-bhakri' to the poor of Maharashtra at subsidized rates. The Zunka is an important part of Maharashtra cuisine and it transcends all classes. Though it is mainly consumed in the rural parts of the state, it is equally popular in urban households. A simple yet delicious dish, it made with besan or chickpeas flour. It is ideal for those days when one has run out of veggies/meat.
Read on for the recipe -
Preparation Time - 10-12 mins
Ingredients -
Read on for the recipe -
Preparation Time - 10-12 mins
Ingredients -
- 1 cup besan/chickpeas flour
- 1 medium sized onion (finely chopped)
- 2 green chilis
- 3-4 garlic flakes
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- a pinch of asafoetida
- a pinch of turmeric
- 1 dry red chili
- 2 tsp oil
- salt to taste
- cilantro for garnishing
- 2 cups water
Cooking - Heat the oil in a non-stick skillet. Add red chili, asafoetida, mustard seeds, cumin seeds and garlic flakes. Fry till garlic takes on a golden hue.
Add the chopped green chili and onions. Fry till translucent.
Add the besan and fry to a light brown color.
Finally add the water, adjust salt and cook till the zunka leaves the sides on the skillet.
Garnish with cilantro. Serve hot.