Zunka - Authentic Maharashtrian Recipe

Zunka is a traditional Maharashtrian dish which is usually paired with and tastes best with a thick flat bread made of Bajra known as Bhakri. Zunka Bhakri comprises a daily diet of people in rural part of Maharashtra, especially the farmers . They carry Zunka Bhakri as Nhyari( Breakfast) to their farms.

Zunka is a dry version of famous Pithala (another Maharashtrian delicacy) . Zunka is a spicy and delicious preparation of Besan (gram flour). Lots of garlic, Chilies and Onions are added to this preparation. A very simple and easy to follow recipe .

Zunka is traditionally served with Bajra Bhakri , Onions, Green chilies , Raw Mango Pickle and with Garlic Chutney or Sesame Seeds Chutney. Refined oil is added over Zunka while eating. Zunka Bhakri also happens to be favourite dish of my dear friend Kajal and i would like to dedicate this post to her.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Gram Flour (Besan)
• 2 Onions finely chopped
• 3-4 Garlic pods chopped
• 2 green chilies chopped
• 1 red chili 
• 1/4 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1/2 tsp Cumin Seeds
• Pinch of Asafoetida ( Hing)
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 2 tsp red Chili Powder
• 3 tbsp Oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh Coriander leaves for garnishing

Method:

1. In a wok , heat up the oil on medium heat. Add the Mustard seeds, once they splutter add the Cumin seeds. Let the Cumin seeds crackle, now add the green Chilies and red chilies followed by the chopped garlic. Saute for a while and add Hing and Turmeric powder.

   2.  Now add the chopped Onions and half of the Coriander leaves. Saute until the onions turn translucent.

   3. In a mixing bowl mix the gram flour, red chili powder. Add about 2 cups of water little at a time as you whisk the flour . There should be no lumps in the batter. The batter should be like the one we use for making Fritters ( pakodas). Add this batter over the Onions in the wok. 

   4. Add in salt and mix the mixture very well. Lower the flame and keep it stirring. Stir until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the pan. At this stage cover the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes on a low flame. Put off the flame and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

   5.  Serve the Zunka with Bhakri , Onion, Chili and  Mango Pickle. 

 Hope you all like this simple recipe of delicious Zunka and would try it out . Do let me know how it turned out . 

For more Maharashtrian recipes, do check out my posts on

• Bhogichi Lekurwali Bhaji
• Missal Pav
• Kande Pohe
• Shevgyachya Sheganchi Bhaji ( Spicy Drumstick Masala)
• Bhakarwadi
• Sweet Coconut Rice
• Anarsa
• Gulachi Poli
• Ukadiche Modak
• Pudachi Karanji
• Shrikhand