Zunka Recipe – Spicy Gram Flour Sabzi (Maharashtrian Style)
Zunka is a rustic, hearty dish from Maharashtra, often prepared when you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal with minimal ingredients. Made from gram flour (besan), Zunka is a deliciously spicy vegetable sabzi that pairs wonderfully with dal tadka, khichdi, or soft phulkas. This dish is not only an everyday comfort food but also a go-to when your fridge is running low on vegetables. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and ready in under 45 minutes!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gram flour (besan) | 1/2 cup |
| Onion | 2, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 5 cloves, peeled and finely chopped |
| Green chilli | 1, finely chopped |
| Coriander leaves (cilantro) | 5 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Oil | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Lukewarm water | 1 cup |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 2-3 people
Instructions:
-
Heat the Oil: Start by heating oil in a medium-sized pan or kadhai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds to the hot oil. Let them splutter for about 10 seconds, releasing their earthy aroma.
-
-
Cook the Garlic: Add the finely chopped garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic turns golden brown, giving the dish a beautiful, rich flavor.
-
Sauté Onions and Green Chilli: Next, add the chopped onions and green chilli to the pan. Stir occasionally and cook until the onions become soft and translucent, which will take around 5 minutes. This is the base of your Zunka, so let the onions cook thoroughly for maximum flavor.
-
Add Red Chilli Powder and Gram Flour: Once the onions have softened, sprinkle in the red chilli powder. Stir well to combine and cook for a minute. Then, add the gram flour (besan) to the pan, and sauté it on medium heat. Cook the flour for about 2 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors and turn slightly golden. This is the key to getting a perfect Zunka texture.
-
Add Salt and Water: After the gram flour has roasted a bit, add salt according to your taste. Then, pour in lukewarm water, a little at a time, while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
-
Cook and Thicken: Let the Zunka cook uncovered for 10 minutes on medium heat. During this time, the water will evaporate and the gram flour will start absorbing all the delicious flavors. Continue stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
Final Touch: After 10 minutes, reduce the heat, and cook for another 5 minutes without a lid to allow the mixture to thicken further. If the Zunka looks too dry, feel free to add a little more oil and water to adjust the consistency.
-
Garnish and Serve: Once the Zunka reaches your desired consistency and has a nice, slightly crispy texture at the bottom, turn off the heat. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.
Serve your Zunka hot with dal tadka, khichdi, or phulkas for a perfect, balanced meal that’s full of flavor and nutrition.
Tips for the Best Zunka:
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder version of this dish, reduce the amount of red chilli powder and green chillies.
- Texture Variation: For a slightly crispier texture, let the Zunka cook on low heat for a few extra minutes after covering it.
- Ghee or Butter: For added richness, you can drizzle a little ghee or butter on top before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Vitamin A | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 20% |
| Iron | 15% |
Zunka is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with your favorite accompaniments. It’s simple, flavorful, and comes together in no time, making it an ideal dish for busy evenings or when you’re craving something comforting and homey. Enjoy the rich, spicy goodness of this traditional Maharashtrian recipe!
