Maharashtrian · serves 2

Pithla Bhakri

Besan and water into dinner in fifteen minutes. Maharashtrian food for an empty fridge.

20 min Easy Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup besan
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 3 green chillies
  • 1 tsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 15 curry leaves
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • Hing
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • Bhakri or roti

Method

  1. Whisk the besan into 3 cups of cold water first, off the heat. Lumps are impossible to fix later.
  2. Mustard seeds, cumin, hing, curry leaves and garlic in oil.
  3. Onion and green chillies till soft, then turmeric and salt.
  4. Pour in the besan water, stirring constantly until it boils.
  5. Simmer 8 minutes, stirring often. It should be loose and pourable, not a paste.
  6. Raw oil and coriander on top. Bhakri, roti, or just rice.

Questions people ask about Pithla Bhakri

How long does Pithla Bhakri take?

About 20 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is straightforward. That is start-to-finish, so it works on a weeknight when you have not planned anything.

What can I use instead of besan in Pithla Bhakri?

Use chickpea flour is the same thing. At a push, rice flour binds but will not taste the same.

Can I make Pithla Bhakri ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Pithla Bhakri vegetarian?

Yes, and as written it is vegan too. Check your specific brands if that matters to you.

What do you serve with Pithla Bhakri?

Bhakri, roti, or just rice. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

Read more on the technique

More ideas by ingredient

If you liked this

Batata Bhaji
15 min · Easy
Dill Flavored Jowar/Sorghum Flatbread - Gluten-Free & Vegan
20 min · Easy
Maharashtrian Amti
30 min · Easy
Thalipeeth
30 min · Some work
Batata Bonda
30 min · Some work
Bombil Fry
20 min · Some work