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–+ servings
Besan Pithla served in a kadai, with garlic and coriander seen in the side along with a glass of solkadhi and rice bhakri in a plate.

Besan Pithla (Gram Flour Curry)

Besan Pithla or Pitla is a creamy and protein-rich Vegan curry made using gluten-free and protein-rich gram flour along with a few spices. 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1/4 Cup Gram flour
  • ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves
  • 3-4 green chilies or as per taste
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2-3 cup Water
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½-1 teaspoon red chili powder optional and as per taste
  • A pinch of asafoetida If using - Check notes for gluten Intolerance
  • 1/4 Cup Chopped Coriander - Optional

Instructions

Prepare the Gram flour water mixture

  • In a bowl, sift in the gram flour.
    1/4 Cup Gram flour
  • Add water slowly and make a smooth paste.
    2-3 cup Water
    Besan Mixture
  • Keep it aside.

Making of Besan Pithla

  • In a heavy bottom pan add oil.
    1 tablespoon oil
  • Add asafoetida.
    A pinch of asafoetida
  • Once hot add cumin seeds, and mustard seeds.
    ½ teaspoon cumin seeds, ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
  • Let them splutter.
  • Now add in the chopped onion, garlic, and green chili.
    1 onion chopped, 2-3 garlic cloves, 3-4 green chilies or as per taste
  • Saute this until the onions are translucent.
    Cooking of onion and garlic in a pan.
  • Once the onions are done, add in turmeric powder and red chili powder. Saute for a few seconds.
    ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, ½-1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Add in the gram flour mixture.
  • Cook this mixture on slow to medium stirring almost continuously.
    Pitla getting ready on a stove top.
  • Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce the stove to slow.
  • Cover and let the mixture cook on low for 5-6 minutes.
  • Once done, garnish with chopped coriander and let it rest for 5 -10 minutes before serving.
    1/4 Cup Chopped Coriander
    Ready Gram Flour Curry

Notes

  • Standard US Size cups and spoons were used. 1 cup = 237 ml, 1 teaspoon = 5 ml
  • Read above for tips and tricks
  • Measurements are rough guidelines. One can adjust as per taste.
  • Water quantity can be more or less. The pithla thickens when cooled down, so add water as per the consistency required.
  • I am using asafoetida in rock and original form, which is gluten-free, hence the curry is gluten-free. However, store-bought asafoetida has wheat in it and hence it is not gluten-free. If you are gluten intolerant you can skip asafoetida or use gluten-free asafoetida.