Pithala- Besan Delicacy

When there is nothing at hand..no vegetables lying in the refrigerator & no sprouts as well, besan (chana dal flour) is something I always have & I decide to prepare the favorite Maharashtrian dish- "The Pithala". With very minimal ingredients & when served hot, this is a great meal in all maharashtrian families, however in my family, a few accompaniments to this are mandatory- mirchi thecha, papad, onion (for all) & rice (for me)..hehe...Check it..

Pithala/Besan

Serves: 4-5                             Preparation Time: 10 mins                   Cooking Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

1 bowl besan/ chana dal flour

1 onion, thinely sliced

5-6 green chillies + 5-6 garlic cloves+ 1 tsp cumin seeds (crush in a blender without water)

coriander leaves for garnish

4 tbspn oil

1 tsp haldi

1/2 tsp mustard seeds

1/2 tsp hing/ asafoetida

3 bowls water 

salt as per taste

Step 1: Mix the besan with water nicely so that there are no lumps. Add salt. Keep aside.

Step 2: Heat oil. Add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add hing. Add onion & fry till golden brown.

Step 3: Add green chilly-garlic paste & haldi. Saute for 2 mins.

Step 4: Add the water prepared in Step 1. Mix well. Reduce the flame & let it cook for 10 mins.

Step 5: Once the bubbles start appearing, add coriander leaves & remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve hot with Chapati or Bajra roti/ Bhakri.

I served Pithala with Amaranth stir fry, onion, papad & mirchi thecha