Jhunka
Jhunka or Zunka is a vegetarian [1] traditional[2] Indian dish prepared in Maharashtra,[3][4] Goa and North Karnataka. It is essentially a chickpea flour porridge. It is also known by the name of pithla or pithle. Its ingredients are gram flour (besan), mixed with water to form a semi-solid paste. 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 jolada rotti.[5] The dish is also referred to as jhunka bhakar or pithla bhakri.
![](../I/Zunka_Bhakar.jpg.webp)
Jhunka with bhakar is considered quintessential peasant fare of Maharashtra.[5] It is accompanied by kharda or thecha.[5][6] In recent times, pithla bhakri has become inseparable part of treks to mountain forts such as Sinhagad.[4]
Zunka/pithla is considered a nutritious food because of its balanced content of fiber, protein, carbohydrates and potassium.
![]() |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zunka. |
References
- Mishra, Garima (18 February 2011). "At 91, his love of great outdoors remains undimmed". The Indian Express. New Delhi: The Indian Express Limited. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
- 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.
- Deshpande, Meeta (28 January 2008). "From stalls to five-stars". The Indian Express. Retrieved 6 April 2013.
- 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. Retrieved 6 April 2013.