Jhunka
Jhunka or Zunka is a gram flour porridge or a gram flour curry.[1][2] It is a traditional[3] Indian dish prepared in Maharashtra,[4][5] Goa and North Karnataka. It is also known by the name of pithla or pithle. The dish is also referred to as jhunka bhakar or pithla bhakri. Pithle is also known as chun in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra.
Jhunka with bhakar is considered quintessential peasant fare of Maharashtra.[6] It is accompanied by kharda or thecha.[6][7] In recent times, pithla bhakri has become inseparable part of treks to mountain forts such as Sinhagad.[5]
Zunka/pithla is considered a nutritious food because of its balanced content of fiber, protein, carbohydrates and potassium.
Preparation
Jhunka is made by mixing gram flour (besan) with water to form a semi-solid paste.[1] It is then sauteed in oil with any other assorted ingredients like green chillies, red chilly powder, turmeric, salt, fried onions, mustard seeds, ginger-garlic, cumin seeds, coriander leaves and served with roti or more traditionally with Bhakri.[6]
Political significance
In 1995, the Shiv Sena Bharatiya Janata Party government launched the Zhunka-Bhaakar scheme in Maharashtra.[1] The scheme was intended to address the state's socioeconomic crisis by allocating over 6000 stalls to the unemployed.[8]
References
- ^ a b c Koranne-Khandekar, Saee (2019). Pangat, a Feast: Food and Lore from Marathi Kitchens. Hachette India. ISBN 9789388322928.
- ^ 1000 Indian Recipe Cookbook. Arcturus Publishing. 2013. ISBN 9781782122531.
- ^ Ranade, Vidya; Tyagi, Akanksha (6 October 2011). "Hinterland dreams". Pune Mirror. Archived from the original on 2 July 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
- ^ Godha, Ashishwang (2 November 2011). "Simply seafood". Mid Day. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
- ^ a b Deshpande, Meeta (28 January 2008). "From stalls to five-stars". The Indian Express. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
- ^ a b c Das, Soma (28 March 2013). "Just like home". Mid Day. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
- ^ Deshmukh, Gayatri (25 April 2012). "Vandana Gupte believes in nature and God". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
- ^ Gangan, Surendra (19 November 2013). "Finally, state dumps Zunka Bhakar scheme". DNA India. Retrieved 4 February 2022.
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