Zunka | Suraiyya Sayyed

My father was a farmer in a small village in Maharashtra. His days were long, filled with hard work under the scorching sun. When he came home, my mother always had something special waiting for him – Zunka.

Zunka, a traditional farmer’s meal, was her go-to recipe. It was quick, easy, and packed with flavours that felt like a warm hug after a tough day. I still remember her skilful hands whipping it up effortlessly while I watched in awe.

Today, I am sharing this recipe with you – a dish infused with memories, love, and the essence of my childhood. Every bite takes me back to those simple yet beautiful moments in our small village. Zunka is a popular Maharashtrian dish made with gram flour (besan) and spices. It pairs perfectly with bhakri or chapati.

Zunka

Method:

1. Prepare the Besan Mixture
   • Place the gram flour in a bowl and add a pinch of salt.
   • Gradually add water while whisking to make a smooth batter. Ensure there are no lumps. Set aside.
2. Heat the Oil
   • Heat oil in a large pan over a medium flame.
   • Add mustard seeds and allow them to splutter.
   • Add cumin seeds, hing, and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
3. Cook the Base
   • Add the chopped green chillies and crushed garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
   • Add finely chopped onions and cook until golden brown.
   • Mix in the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt.
4. Combine and Cook
   • Lower the flame and slowly add the besan batter to the pan, stirring continuously. Roast the mixture thoroughly.
   • Add a little hot water and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and absorbs the water.
   • Once the Zunka starts to leave the sides of the pan and reaches a crumbly consistency, turn off the heat.
5. Garnish and Serve
   • Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
   • Serve hot with bhakri or chapati.

Watch this recipe here – Zunka

Meet Suraiyya Sayyed, a passionate home cook, mother, and loving grandmother whose culinary journey is deeply rooted in tradition and family heritage. Inspired by the timeless recipes passed down from her mother and grandmother, she finds immense joy in preserving the flavours of yesteryear while infusing them with a touch of creativity.

Encouraged by her daughters, she began sharing her recipes on social media. For Suraiyya, cooking is a way of keeping cherished memories alive, creating new ones, and building connections across generations.

^{Translations and detailed descriptions are provided to give a better understanding of the story to people from different cultural backgrounds across the globe.}