Pithale (onion or garlic flavored)

Pithale (Onion or garlic flavored) (A Maharashtrian dish)

(All ingredients are underlined)

Heat 4 tsp oil in a vessel. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds. Once they crackle, add 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp asfoetida (hing), and 1 tsp turmeric powder. Add 1 onion* finely chopped and 3 green chilies slit vertically. When the onion becomes translucent, add 4 cups water. Add salt to taste and bring water to near-boil. Using a spoon to stir with one hand, slowly add gram flour (besan) with the other. For 4 cups water, about 1 cup gram flour is needed. You can add more to get a thicker consistency or less to make it thinner. Reduce the gas to low and let cook for 2 minutes. Garnish with finely chopped coriander and serve hot with Bhakari, Chapati, or Rice.

 * Instead of onion, garlic can also be added. In that case, add 4 cloves finely chopped, to the oil, and fry till a pinkish color is attained. All other steps are the same.