PALAK ZHUNKA

PALAK ZHUNKA

Today's recipe Palak Zhunka is for an easy to make side dish made with Spinach ( "palak" in Hindi), Besan (Chickpea Flour) and spices. This type of side dish is called "Zhunka " in Maharashtra, Goa and the Northern part of Karnataka.

We make many dishes using spinach in India. For example, elsewhere in this blog you will find dishes as diverse as Palak Corn Subzi, Palak Parantha, and the famous Palak Paneer!

We enjoyed this Palak Zhunka with hot rotis.

Ingredients:-

• Palak, (Spinach) , 1 large bunch or about 200 gms
• Besan, (Chickpea Flour) 1 cup 
• Large-sized Onion, 1
• Green Chillies, 2
• Garlic Cloves, 3
• Turmeric Powder, 1/4 tsp
• Chilli Powder, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp (optional)
• Mustard Seeds, 1 tsp
• Cumin Seeds, 1/2 tsp
• Salt, to taste
• Oil, 2 tbsp

Method:-

Remove the palak leaves from their stalks and wash them in several changes of water

Chop the palak fine and keep aside

Chop the onion and finely chop the green chillies and garlic cloves

In a pan, dry roast the besan on medium heat for 3-4 minutes or till it gives off a good aroma. Keep aside. 

Heat oil in the same pan and on medium heat add the mustard seeds and when they splutter add the cumin seeds. When the cumin seeds sizzle, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté till it turns slightly golden brown 

To this, add the chopped onions and green chillies and sauté till the onions become translucent

Add the turmeric powder and chilli powder ( if being used) 

Next add the chopped palak and salt
Mix well and cook the palak till it is almost done. ( Please note that palak gets cooked very fast. Also that salt added to the palak will release water) 

Now mix in the dry roasted besan and sprinkle a little water
Cover and cook on medium flame till the besan gets cooked, stirring from time to time till it gets well blended with the palak

Switch off the gas and transfer the Palak Zhunka to a serving bowl
Serve hot as a side dish