Zunka
An authentic vegan recipe from Maharashtra, India
Cook Time
20 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
EasyCategory
VeganIngredients
For 4 servings
200g Gram flour (besan)
2piece Onion, finely chopped
3piece Green chillies, chopped
5piece Garlic cloves, minced
5g Mustard seeds
5g Cumin seeds
10piece Curry leaves
2g Asafoetida
4g Turmeric powder
8g Red chilli powder
30ml Oil
8g Salt
12 ingredients needed
💡 Pro Tip: Gather all ingredients before you start cooking for a smooth preparation process.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare this authentic dish
Dry roast besan in a heavy pan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it turns a shade darker and smells nutty. Set aside.
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Heat oil in the same pan. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let splutter.
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Add asafoetida, curry leaves, garlic, and green chillies. Sauté for 1 minute.
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Add chopped onions and cook until translucent.
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Add turmeric and red chilli powder. Stir well.
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Add the roasted besan and mix everything together.
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Sprinkle water (2–3 tablespoons) and stir vigorously to create a crumbly, cooked texture.
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Cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
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Adjust salt. Serve hot with bhakri.
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Chef's Tips
Zunka is the dry version of pitla — same spice base but no water added to make it a gravy.
Dry roasting the besan before cooking is essential — raw besan tastes bitter.
The texture should be dry and crumbly, not wet or gummy.
Zunka and bhakri (jowar flatbread) is a staple rural meal across Maharashtra's Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
About This Dish
Zunka is a traditional vegan dish from Maharashtra, India. This authentic recipe provides exact measurements for cooking 4 servings.
- Zunka is the dry version of pitla — same spice base but no water added to make it a gravy. - Dry roasting the besan before cooking is essential — raw besan tastes bitter. - The texture should be dry and crumbly, not wet or gummy. - Zunka and bhakri (jowar flatbread) is a staple rural meal across Maharashtra's Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.
Category
Vegan
Cook Time
20 mins
Servings
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy