Pithla (Besan Curry)

Pithla, a variation of Kadhi, comes in many forms. In North India, Kadhi resembles a thick soup with pakoras, while Gujarati Kadhi offers a sweet and sour, watery consistency. Pithla, on the other hand, is notably thicker, often referred to as Besan Ki Sabji, and is quick and easy to prepare with few ingredients. Traditionally served with hot ghee, Pithla offers a complete and satisfying meal.

Despite my initial belief that Pithla originated from Bihar, I've learned it's also popular in Maharashtra. Growing up in North India with roots in Bihar, my mom's cooking blended traditional Bihari simplicity with the spiciness of North Indian cuisine. Fond memories of enjoying Pithla with family persist, and when I visit my sisters in India, they recreate these cherished moments with a spread of dishes, including Pithla served with rice. Truly, it's comfort food at its finest. This recipe serves 2.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Indian

Keyword Besan Kadhi, Bihari Kadhi, Cooking Video, Curry Recipe, Gatte Ke Kadhi, Gluten Free, Gujrati Kadhi, Homemade, Jain Food, Maharashtrian Dish, Main Dish, Mandir Food, No Garlic, No Onion, Panjabi Kadhi, Quick And Easy, Sattvik Food, Swaminarayan, Vegan, Veshno Cooking

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings people

Ingredients

1 cup besan Bengal gram flour
2 Tbsp oil
1 tsp cumin jeera
½ tsp mustard seeds rai
⅛ tsp asafetida hing
½ tsp turmeric haldi
½ tsp red chili powder
1 tsp salt
1 ½ tsp mango powder aam choor
2 Tbsp cilantro finely chopped, hara dhania
4 cup water

For Garnishing

2 Tbsp ghee clarified butter, this is optional
¼ tap red chili powder

Instructions

In a bowl add the 1-1/2 cups of water slowly to besan to make a smooth batter (batter should be consistency of pancake batter or dosa batter).
Open the heat on medium high, oil should be moderately hot, when you add the cumin seeds to oil seeds should crack right of way.
Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, asafetida, turmeric, and chili powder to oil, stir and turn off the heat.
Add the besan batter and open the heat to medium heat. Keep whipping the batter and batter will start thickening. Add salt and keep adding the water slowly and keep mixing about 2-1/2 cups of water. After Pithla comes to boil besan will start splattering. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and let it simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes.
Pithla will become thick, add chopped cilantro and mango powder mix and let it cook for 2 more minutes. Pithla should be quite thick in consistency that’s why sometimes I will call Pithla Besa ki Sabji.
Pithla is served hot before serving, traditionally Pithla is served garnished with hot ghee (clarified butter). And sprinkle of red chili powder. If you are vegan skip ghee, clarified butter.

Notes

Serving suggestions:

Serve Pithla with Rice, Roti, Kurkuri Bhindi.