Zunka

 Introduction
Zunka is a dry gram flour dish cooked with onions, garlic, and spices — a rustic meal from rural Maharashtra, often paired with bhakri.

Historical Relevance
Originating as a farmer’s meal, Zunka is celebrated for being affordable, nutritious, and requiring minimal ingredients.

Preparing the Zunka
Ingredients:
1 cup gram flour (besan)
2 onions, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tsp mustard seeds, turmeric, red chili powder
2 tbsp oil, salt to taste

Instructions:
Heat oil, add mustard seeds and garlic.
Add onions, sauté till translucent.
Add spices and gram flour, stir continuously till crumbly and dry.

Pro Tips
Sprinkle a few drops of water if it becomes too dry to prevent burning.

Serving Suggestions
Serve with jowar or bajra bhakri and raw onion.

Fun Fact
Zunka-Bhakar was once part of a government campaign to promote simple, affordable meals in Maharashtra.