Kulith Pithle
A rustic and hearty Maharashtrian curry made from horse gram flour. This savory, tangy, and protein-rich dish is quick to prepare and pairs perfectly with jowar bhakri or steamed rice.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Slurry
- b.In a mixing bowl, add the horse gram flour.
- c.Gradually pour in 2 cups of room temperature water while whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free slurry. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat peanut oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter for about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves. Sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Add the finely chopped onion to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- c.Add the minced garlic and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw aroma of garlic disappears.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Pithle
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and goda masala. Stir for 30 seconds to cook the spices without burning them.
- c.Give the horse gram slurry a quick stir, then slowly pour it into the pan while stirring the contents of the pan continuously. This is crucial to prevent lumps.
- d.Add the remaining 2 cups of water, salt, jaggery, and dried kokum pieces. Mix everything thoroughly.
- e.Increase the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- f.Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. The pithle will thicken and the flour will cook through.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Check the consistency. If it's too thick, add a little hot water. Turn off the heat.
- c.Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot with jowar bhakri, bajra bhakri, or steamed rice and a side of raw onion.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Always use cold or room temperature water to make the flour slurry to ensure it's lump-free.
- 2Continuous stirring while adding the slurry is the most important step for a smooth texture.
- 3The pithle thickens as it cools. Adjust the final consistency to be slightly thinner than you desire.
- 4For the most authentic taste, do not skip Goda Masala. It's the soul of many Maharashtrian dishes.
- 5If you don't have kokum, you can use 1 tablespoon of tamarind pulp for a similar tangy flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Buttermilk
For a tangier and creamier version, replace 2 cups of water with 2 cups of sour buttermilk (taak/chaas). Add the buttermilk after the slurry has cooked for a few minutes, and simmer gently without bringing it to a rolling boil to prevent curdling.
Vegetable PithleVegetable Pithle
Add vegetables like drumsticks (cut into 2-inch pieces) or chopped spinach (palak) along with the onions. Cook until the vegetables are tender before adding the flour slurry.
Garlic TadkaGarlic Tadka
For an extra punch of flavor, prepare a final tempering (tadka) of 1 tbsp ghee, 3-4 crushed garlic cloves, and a pinch of red chili powder. Pour this over the pithle just before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Horse gram is one of the richest vegetarian sources of protein, essential for muscle repair, building tissues, and overall body function.
High in Dietary Fiber
The high fiber content in horse gram aids digestion, promotes gut health, prevents constipation, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Aids in Weight Management
Being rich in fiber and protein, Kulith Pithle is very satiating. It keeps you full for longer, reducing overall calorie intake and supporting weight loss goals.
Good Source of Iron
Horse gram is a good source of iron, which is crucial for forming hemoglobin and preventing anemia. Regular consumption can help combat fatigue and boost energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
Kulith Pithle is a traditional Maharashtrian curry made from horse gram flour (kulith peeth). It's known for its rustic, earthy flavor, tangy notes from kokum, and a unique aroma from goda masala. It's a staple comfort food, especially in rural Maharashtra, often enjoyed with bhakri (millet flatbread).