Maharashtrian Pithla Recipe | Spicy and Tasty Besan Curry
Quick answerMaharashtrian pithla is a spicy, thick besan (gram flour) curry. Mustard seeds, dry red chillies, onions, tomatoes and garlic are cooked with spices, a glass of water is brought to a boil, and a dissolved besan batter is stirred in slowly and cooked for 10 minutes on medium flame. Serve it with bhakri, roti or bread.
After adding besanCook 10 minutes
Besan4 teaspoons
CuisineMaharashtrian
DietVegetarian
Serve withBhakri, roti or bread
Maharashtrian Pithla is one of the most beloved comfort foods in Maharashtra, known for its rich flavors, spicy goodness, and simple ingredients. This humble besan curry is a traditional Maharashtrian staple, usually served with bhakri or roti.
π Ingredients
- π₯£ 4 teaspoons gram flour (besan) dissolved in water
- πΆοΈ 3-4 dry red chilies
- π± Β½ teaspoon mustard seeds
- π‘ Β½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- π₯ Β½ teaspoon coriander powder
- π§ 6-8 garlic cloves, crushed
- π§ 2 onions, finely chopped
- π 2 tomatoes, chopped
- π§ 1 teaspoon salt
- π’οΈ 4 tablespoons edible oil
- π§ Water β 1 glass for the gravy, plus a little to dissolve the besan
π©βπ³ Instructions
- Heat a pan and add oil π’οΈ.
- Add mustard seeds, dry red chilies, and chopped onions π§ . SautΓ© until onions turn light pink.
- Add chopped tomatoes π , followed by crushed garlic, salt, turmeric, and coriander powder. Mix well and roast until fragrant.
- Pour 1 glass of water π¦ and let it boil.
- Slowly add the dissolved gram flour (besan) π₯£, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Let it cook well for 10 minutes on medium flame, stirring occasionally.
- Once it reaches a thick, creamy consistency, turn off the flame.
- π₯ Delicious, hot & spicy Maharashtrian Pithla is ready! π Serve it with Bhakri, Roti, or Bread for an authentic experience! π
Maharashtrian Pithla: A Comfort Food for All Seasons
While Pithla is especially comforting during the rainy season, when it’s often paired with bhakri on a rainy evening, it can be enjoyed all year round. The spicy, hearty flavor of besan Pithla is perfect for cold days, while its simplicity makes it a great weeknight meal for busy families.
Its warmth and richness also make it an ideal dish to serve during festivals or special occasions, especially in Maharashtra
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Maharashtrian Pithla Recipe
Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weekday meal or a special occasion, Maharashtrian Pithla is a dish that’s sure to please. It’s easy to make, packed with flavors, and customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Once you try this authentic Maharashtrian delight, it’s bound to become a regular on your menu. So, give this spicy and savoury besan curry a try and enjoy the flavors of Maharashtrian comfort food at home!
Watch the Maharashtrian Pithla Recipe Video
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10 FAQs related to Maharashtrian Pithla Recipe
<!– wp:rank-math/faq-block {"listStyle":"numbered","questions":[{"id":"faq-question-1739955798294","title":"How to get the perfect consistency for Pithla?","content":"π Maintain the right ratio of water and gram flour. Add besan gradually while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1739955826869″,”title”:”What spices are used in Pithla?”,”content”:”π Turmeric, coriander powder, garlic, dry red chilies, and mustard seeds are commonly used to enhance its flavor.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1739955835656″,”title”:”How long should Pithla be cooked?”,”content”:”π After adding gram flour, cook it for 10 minutes to remove the raw taste and achieve a smooth texture.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1739955846153″,”title”:”Can Pithla be made without garlic?”,”content”:”π Yes, if you don’t consume garlic, you can skip it and add asafoetida (hing) and ginger for extra flavor.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1739955855474″,”title”:”Which oil is best for making Pithla?”,”content”:”π Peanut (groundnut) oil is a traditional choice in Maharashtrian cooking, but any refined cooking oil works well.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1739955865103″,”title”:”Can Pithla be made in advance?”,”content”:”π Pithla tastes best when served fresh, as its texture changes over time. If you do have leftovers, refrigerate them and reheat until steaming hot, adding a little water.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1739955873941″,”title”:”How to make Pithla more flavorful?”,”content”:”π Add green chilies, fresh coriander, crushed garlic, and a dash of lemon juice to enhance its taste.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1739955883383″,”title”:”What can be served with Pithla?”,”content”:”π It is best enjoyed with Bhakri (millet bread), roti, rice, or bread. The most traditional pairing is Bajra Bhakri.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1739955892448″,”title”:”Is Pithla a healthy dish?”,”content”:”π Besan is a good source of plant protein, and Pithla is a simple, home-style dish that can be made lighter by using less oil.”,”visible”:true},{“id”:”faq-question-1739955901847″,”title”:”How to adjust the thickness of Pithla?”,”content”:”π If it’s too thick, add some warm water and stir. If it’s too thin, mix a little more gram flour in water and add it.”,”visible”:true}]} –>How to get the perfect consistency for Pithla?
π Maintain the right ratio of water and gram flour. Add besan gradually while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
What spices are used in Pithla?
π Turmeric, coriander powder, garlic, dry red chilies, and mustard seeds are commonly used to enhance its flavor.
How long should Pithla be cooked?
π After adding gram flour, cook it for 10 minutes to remove the raw taste and achieve a smooth texture.
Can Pithla be made without garlic?
π Yes, if you don’t consume garlic, you can skip it and add asafoetida (hing) and ginger for extra flavor.
Which oil is best for making Pithla?
π Peanut (groundnut) oil is a traditional choice in Maharashtrian cooking, but any refined cooking oil works well.
Can Pithla be made in advance?
π Pithla tastes best when served fresh, as its texture changes over time. If you do have leftovers, refrigerate them and reheat until steaming hot, adding a little water.
How to make Pithla more flavorful?
π Add green chilies, fresh coriander, crushed garlic, and a dash of lemon juice to enhance its taste.
What can be served with Pithla?
π It is best enjoyed with Bhakri (millet bread), roti, rice, or bread. The most traditional pairing is Bajra Bhakri.
Is Pithla a healthy dish?
π Besan is a good source of plant protein, and Pithla is a simple, home-style dish that can be made lighter by using less oil.
How to adjust the thickness of Pithla?
π If it’s too thick, add some warm water and stir. If it’s too thin, mix a little more gram flour in water and add it.
