Zunka Bhakri

Zunka Bhakri Recipe - A Delicious Vegetarian Dish from India

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Zunka Bhakri is a traditional Maharashtrian dish that is popular in the rural areas of Maharashtra, India. It is a simple and flavorful dish made with besan (gram flour) and spices, typically served with bhakri (a type of Indian bread).

History

Zunka Bhakri has been a staple in Maharashtrian cuisine for generations. It is a dish that is often prepared in rural households, as it is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. The dish is known for its rich and earthy flavors, making it a favorite among many.

Ingredients

3 cups of gram flour (besan)
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped (or 1 tsp of tamarind pulp)
2 flakes of garlic, finely chopped
3 green chillies
3 tbsp of coriander leaves
5 curry leaves
0.5 tsp of chilli powder
0.5 tsp of turmeric powder
0.5 tsp of mustard seeds
0.5 tsp of cumin seeds
4 tbsp of oil
salt to taste

How to prepare

Dry roast the besan in a pan until it turns pink. Set it aside.
Heat oil in a kadhai and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.
Once they start popping, add green chillies, curry leaves, garlic, and onions. Fry until they turn golden.
Add tomatoes (or tamarind).
Finally, add the besan, chilli and turmeric powders, salt, and a little water.
Stir continuously until there are no lumps and the mixture turns brown and fragrant.
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve with bhakris.

Variations

Add vegetables like capsicum, peas, or carrots for a twist.
Use different spices like garam masala or coriander powder for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast the besan properly to avoid a raw taste in the dish.

- Stir continuously while cooking to prevent lumps from forming.

- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.

- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Zunka Bhakri is best served hot with bhakri or chapati. It can also be enjoyed with rice or as a side dish with dal.

Cooking Techniques

Roast the besan properly to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Stir continuously while cooking to ensure a smooth and lump-free consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use lemon juice instead of tamarind pulp for a tangy flavor.

- Substitute ghee for oil for a richer taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Zunka Bhakri can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Zunka Bhakri garnished with fresh coriander leaves and accompanied by sliced onions and lemon wedges for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Zunka Bhakri pairs well with buttermilk, yogurt, or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Zunka Bhakri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zunka Bhakri contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zunka Bhakri contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zunka Bhakri contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Zunka Bhakri contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zunka Bhakri is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

Zunka Bhakri contains gluten from the besan and may not be suitable for those with gluten allergies.

Summary

Zunka Bhakri is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a wholesome meal that provides energy and essential nutrients.

Summary

Zunka Bhakri is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. It is a perfect meal for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Enjoy this traditional Maharashtrian dish with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something special. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Manisha in the small village of Maharashtra. As we sat on the porch sipping chai, she told me about a traditional dish her grandmother used to make called Zunka Bhakri.

Manisha described it as a flavorful chickpea flour curry served with a thick, rustic flatbread known as bhakri. My mouth watered at the thought of tasting this unique dish. Manisha noticed my excitement and offered to teach me how to make it.

We headed to her grandmother's kitchen, a cozy space filled with the aroma of spices and the sound of sizzling oil. Manisha rummaged through the pantry, pulling out bags of chickpea flour, red chili powder, turmeric, and cumin seeds. She explained each ingredient's role in creating the perfect balance of flavors in Zunka Bhakri.

As we began cooking, I watched Manisha with admiration as she effortlessly mixed the ingredients together, turning them into a thick, fragrant curry. The chickpea flour absorbed the spices, creating a rich and hearty dish that promised to be a delight to the taste buds.

Once the curry was ready, Manisha rolled out the dough for the bhakri, expertly flattening it into thin circles. She cooked them on a hot griddle until they puffed up and turned golden brown. The smell of toasting grains filled the kitchen, adding to the anticipation of tasting the final dish.

Finally, it was time to plate up. Manisha ladled the zunka onto a plate, garnishing it with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. She placed a warm bhakri next to it, its crispy edges beckoning me to tear off a piece and dip it into the curry.

I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The earthy chickpea flour, the warmth of the spices, and the crunch of the bhakri all combined to create a culinary masterpiece. I savored each bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn this traditional recipe from Manisha.

As I finished my meal, I knew that Zunka Bhakri would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Manisha for sharing her family's recipe with me and promised to pass it on to future generations.

Since that day, I have made Zunka Bhakri countless times, each batch bringing back memories of that hot summer day in Maharashtra. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, spreading the joy of this simple yet delicious dish far and wide.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a fresh batch of Zunka Bhakri, I can't help but smile at the thought of the journey that brought this recipe into my life. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to preserve tradition, and to create lasting memories.

And so, as I take my first bite of the warm, comforting curry and crispy flatbread, I am grateful for the culinary adventures that have enriched my life and connected me to the rich tapestry of flavors and traditions that make up the world of cooking.