Recipe- Maharashtrian Besan Pitla

This is a perfect side for Bhakri (made with millet flour). Besan Pitla is a Maharashtrian dish made with chickpea flour. It's easy to make & very delicious. This dish is my absolute favorite Maharashtrian dish made with chickpea flour (besan). Pitla also known as Pithla, Pithala, Pithle, Zunka or Jhunka is nothing but a simple porridge or a mash. Besan Pitla when served with Bhakri is considered as the quintessential peasant fare of Maharashtra.

Ingredients

For the chickpea flour batter

1 cup chickpea flour/besan
2 cups water
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp paprika

To make Pitla

1 tbsp oil
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
5-6 cloves garlic
1 onion
1 jalapeno
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp turmeric powder
salt as required
2-3 tbsp chopped cilantro

Method

To make the chickpea batter

- In a deep bowl or vessel, add water, paprika and turmeric powder. Stir it all together till it dissolves in the water.

- Then gradually add the roasted chickpea flour to it. Blend it in with a whisk and ensure there are no lumps formed.

To make Pitla

- Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds.

- Once they begin to crackle, add chopped garlic and check till it becomes light golden.

- Then add a finely chopped jalapeno along with chopped onions, paprika and turmeric powder.

- Saute till the onions becomes translucent. Now add the flour batter to the pan and quickly mix it. Add salt too at this point.

- Lower the flame and cook it covered for 5 minutes. The mixture will begin to thicken and become a lump. Once the mixture doesn't stick to the pan anymore, consider it done.

- Garnish it with chopped cilantro.

- Serve Maharashtrian Besan Pitla with bhakri (most preferred combo) but it tastes good with any bread or rice. Spread it on a bread and enjoy it like a sandwich or use it as a dip.