Pithale

I had tried making pithala earlier and it was really a mess. I din't try making it for a long time after that. However , I came across a blog where this recipe was posted and felt like trying it again and this time it did turn out great.

So this entry is specially for noting the mistakes that I made in my earlier attempt.


More or less followed the recipe from the
chakali blogspot
Pithale-Bhakri is a basic but very popular meal. ZuNka is another famous version of pithla. Pithla can be served with Rice and I even have it with chapatti as the picture shows, but if you want to enjoy the real fun of pithla then it should be served with bhakari (an Indian bread) and Onion Thecha (Spicy chutney made by mixing chopped onions, salt and chilli powder).

I have followed the recipe from above blog with few variations to adjust it to my taste.

Ingredients :
1/2 cup chickpeas Flour
1 medium Onion
3-4 Garlic Flakes (Optional)
1/2 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, pinch of Asafoetida powder, 1 tsp Turmeric Powder, 3-4 curry leaves
2-3 dried red chilies (Indian)
4 tbsp curd (plain yoghurt)
2-3 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Chopped cilantro for garnishing

Steps to make -
1> Mix the chickpeas flour (also called besan)in water to make a smooth batter without any clumps. Add some yoghurt and mix it well. Keep this mixture aside.
2> Heat some oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chillies, stir for few seconds
3> Add chopped onion, chopped garlic, turmeric power and cook the onions for a while
4> Add 2-3 cups of water to this mixture and let it boil.
5> When the water just starts boiling take the pan away from heat and add the besan mixture to it. Stir well so that no clumps are formed. Also add salt,sugar,red chilli powder while stirring or just before adding the besan mixture.
6> Put the pan back on heat and let it cook till the raw smell of besan goes away. Stir continously so that it is cooked evenly. Add water/curd if required based on the taste and consistency that you want.
7> Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.


Important Tips :
The besan should be cooked properly to get the good taste.
THe besan should not form any clumps so that it is cooked evenly.