Maharashtrian Pithla Bhakri

Pithla Bhakri is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made with spiced gram flour curry served alongside jowar flatbreads. This gluten-free meal is hearty, wholesome, and perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

• Besan (gram flour) - 200 grams
• Water - 500 ml
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Green chili - 1, slit
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Curry leaves - 8-10 leaves
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Red chili powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Jowar flour (for bhakri) - 200 grams
• Warm water (for bhakri) - as needed

Steps

1. In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, green chili, and curry leaves. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens. Then add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
4. Gradually add 500 ml of water to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
5. Once the mixture starts to boil, lower the heat and add 200 grams of besan gradually, stirring continuously to ensure there are no lumps.
6. Cook the mixture for about 10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally until it thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
7. For the bhakri, in a bowl, mix 200 grams of jowar flour with warm water to form a soft dough. Divide the dough into 2 equal balls.
8. Roll out each ball into a flat disc using your hands or a rolling pin, dusting with more jowar flour as needed.
9. Cook the bhakri on a hot griddle (tawa) for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, pressing gently with a spatula.
10. Serve the hot pithla with bhakri, garnished with fresh coriander if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Gluten-free, suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
• High in protein and fiber, promoting digestive health.

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