Authentic Maharashtrian Pitla Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Besan (Gram flour)
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 2 Green Chilies, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
  • 8-10 Curry Leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
  • 2 tablespoon Cooking Oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups Water
  • 2 tablespoon Fresh Coriander Leaves, finely chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.
  2. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Allow them to sizzle and pop for a few seconds.
  3. Add finely chopped onion, green chilies, and garlic to the pan. Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix besan, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt with 2 cups of water until no lumps remain.
  5. Slowly add this besan mixture to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
  6. Continue stirring the mixture on medium heat until it thickens to the consistency of a curry.
  7. Add more water if required and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  8. Finally, garnish the Pitla with chopped coriander leaves before serving.
  9. Enjoy your Pitla warm with roti or rice.

Tools for making

  • Large Pan - A pan large enough to cook the Pitla and accommodate all the ingredients.
  • Bowl - A bowl for mixing the besan, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt with water.
  • Stove - A stove or cooktop to heat the pan and cook the Pitla.
  • Spatula - A spatula for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pan.
  • Chopping Board - A chopping board for finely chopping the onion, green chilies, and garlic.
  • Knife - A knife for cutting and chopping the onion, green chilies, and garlic.
  • Measuring Cup - A measuring cup to accurately measure the quantity of besan, water, and oil.
  • Cooking Oil - Cooking oil for sautéing the onions and other ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the Pitla.
  • Adding finely grated ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
  • Using different types of flour such as wheat flour or rice flour instead of besan.
  • Adding a pinch of garam masala or chaat masala for additional spice.
  • Making it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour alternatives.
  • Adding a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chilies for extra flavor.
  • Adding a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a tangy twist.
  • Adding chopped cilantro or mint leaves for a refreshing taste.
  • Making it vegan by using oil instead of ghee or butter.
  • Adding freshly grated coconut for a subtle sweetness.

Recipe overview

Introduction

Welcome to our Pitla recipe! Pitla is a popular Maharashtrian dish, commonly enjoyed in rural areas of Maharashtra. It's a simple yet flavorful curry-like dish made primarily from gram flour (besan), onions, and spices.

Overview

This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of making Pitla at home. With a thick, smooth texture and aromatic spices, Pitla is a satisfying and comforting dish. It's typically served with Bhakri (a type of Indian bread) or rice, and is perfect for a cozy dinner. Once you gather your ingredients, the dish comes together in a single pan and takes roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy your homemade Pitla!

Common questions

  1. Can I use any other flour instead of besan?
  2. Yes, you can use chickpea flour as a substitute for besan.
  3. Can I adjust the spiciness of Pitla?
  4. Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of red chili powder and green chilies according to your taste preferences.
  5. What can I serve Pitla with?
  6. Pitla can be served with roti (Indian bread) or rice. It also goes well with bhakri (a type of flatbread made with millet flour).
  7. Can I make Pitla in advance?
  8. Pitla is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it in advance and reheat it before serving. Add a little water while reheating to adjust its consistency.
  9. Can I add vegetables to Pitla?
  10. Absolutely! You can add vegetables like tomatoes, capsicum (bell peppers), or boiled potatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of Pitla.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pan - A large pan to cook the Pitla.
  • Bowl - A bowl to mix the besan and water for the Pitla mixture.
  • Spatula - A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the Pitla while cooking.
  • Chopping Board - A chopping board to chop the onion, green chilies, and garlic.
  • Knife - A knife to chop the onion, green chilies, and garlic.
  • Measuring Cups - Measuring cups to accurately measure the besan, water, and oil.
  • Cooking Oil - Oil for sautéing the onions and other ingredients.
  • Fresh Coriander Leaves - Fresh coriander leaves for garnishing the Pitla.

Origin stories

Pitla, also known as Pithla Bhakri, is a staple food in the rural areas of Maharashtra, India, where it originated. This humble dish, often termed as the "poor man's food," is deeply rooted in the Maharashtrian agricultural lifestyle. It speaks of the times when farmers, after toiling hard in the fields, would come back home and consume a simple yet nutritious meal of Pitla made from gram flour, a rich source of protein. The ingredients were always readily available, and the preparation was straightforward, making it a quick and hearty meal. Interestingly, despite its rural origins, Pitla has found its way into the bustling cities and even the fine-dine Maharashtrian cuisine restaurants, testifying to its timeless appeal. Enjoying your Pitla, imagine the vibrant green fields of Maharashtra, and you might just hear the distant echo of a farmer's song.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.