Varsha PandeyFood of Bihar
Bihar, a state in eastern India, has a rich culinary tradition with a variety of famous dishes. Here are some of the popular foods of Bihar:
Food of Bihar
Litti Chokha-Food of Bihar
Litti Chokha is a staple dish of Bihar.
It consists of savory wheat flour dumplings (litti) that are stuffed with a mixture of roasted gram flour, spices, and herbs.
It is traditionally served with chokha, a spicy mashed potato and brinjal (eggplant) dish, along with ghee (clarified butter) and pickles.
Litti Khokha is a traditional dish from the Indian state of Bihar, particularly popular in the regions of Bihar and Jharkhand. It is a savory dish made with roasted wheat flour balls filled with a spicy mixture of roasted gram flour (sattu), herbs, and spices. Litti is typically served with a side dish called chokha, which is a spicy mashed vegetable preparation.
To make litti, wheat flour dough is prepared by mixing wheat flour, salt, and water. Small balls are made from this dough and filled with a mixture of roasted gram flour (sattu), finely chopped onions, garlic, green chilies, ginger, and various spices like ajwain (carom seeds), kalonji (nigella seeds), and mustard oil. The filled balls are then roasted over charcoal or in a traditional clay oven called a “chulha” until they turn crispy and golden brown.
Chokha, the accompanying side dish, is usually made with roasted and mashed vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and sometimes with roasted onions as well. The mashed vegetables are mixed with mustard oil, chopped onions, green chilies, garlic, and spices like salt, red chili powder, and turmeric.
Litti Khokha is typically enjoyed with ghee (clarified butter) on top and is often served with a side of pickles, yogurt, or baigan bharta (roasted eggplant curry). It is a popular street food and is also prepared during festivals and special occasions in Bihar and Jharkhand
Sattu Paratha-Food of Bihar
It is flour made from roasted gram or lentils. Sattu paratha is a nutritious flatbread made by stuffing the paratha with a filling of roasted gram flour, spices, and herbs. It is also typically served with yogurt or pickle.
Dal Pitha-Food of Bihar
Pitha is also a popular snack or breakfast item in Bihar.
Dal Pitha is a traditional dish from the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, as well as other regions of North India. It is a steamed dumpling made with rice flour and filled with a savory lentil (dal) mixture.
To make Dal Pitha, a rice flour dough is prepared by mixing rice flour with hot water and a pinch of salt. The dough is kneaded until smooth and pliable. Meanwhile, a flavorful lentil filling is prepared by cooking yellow lentils (usually split yellow moong dal) with spices like cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. The cooked lentils are then mashed to a smooth consistency.
Next, small portions of the rice flour dough are flattened into circles using hands or a rolling pin. A spoonful of the lentil filling is placed in the center of each circle, and the edges of the dough are folded to enclose the filling, forming a dumpling shape. The filled dumplings are then steamed until cooked and firm.
Dal Pitha can be served in different ways. Some prefer to serve them as is, while others like to temper them with a tadka (tempering) of ghee, cumin seeds, and red chili powder. They are often enjoyed with a side of tangy tomato chutney or yogurt. The combination of the soft and slightly chewy rice flour covering with the flavorful lentil filling makes Dal Pitha a delightful and comforting dish.
Dal Pitha is commonly prepared during festivals, special occasions, or as a snack or breakfast item. It showcases the culinary diversity and richness of North Indian cuisine, specifically the regional flavors of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Khaja-Food of Bihar
Khaja is also a crispy and flaky sweet that is widely enjoyed in Bihar. It is made by deep-frying layers of wheat flour dough and then dipped in sugar syrup. Khaja has a delightful texture and is often served during festivals and special occasions.
Thekua
Thekua, also known as Khajuria, is a traditional sweet snack from the Indian state of Bihar, particularly popular during the Chhath Puja festival. It is a deep-fried cookie made with whole wheat flour, jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), and various aromatic spices.
To make Thekua, whole wheat flour is mixed with grated jaggery, ghee (clarified butter), and a pinch of salt. The mixture is then kneaded into a firm dough, adding water as needed. The dough is flavored with spices such as cardamom powder and fennel seeds, which lend a delightful aroma.
Once the dough is ready, small portions are taken and shaped into flat discs or round cookies. Traditionally, the surface of the cookies is decorated with intricate patterns using a special wooden mold known as “thekua chalni” or by using a fork to make decorative imprints.
The prepared Thekua cookies are then deep-fried in ghee or oil until they turn golden brown and crispy. After frying, they are drained to remove excess oil and left to cool and harden. Thekua has a crunchy texture and a rich, sweet flavor from the jaggery.
Thekua is enjoyed as a sweet treat during festivals like Chhath Puja, which is dedicated to the Sun God. It is also commonly prepared during other auspicious occasions and celebrations. The delicious combination of wheat flour, jaggery, and spices makes Thekua a beloved delicacy in Bihar and neighboring regions, and it can be stored for several days, making it suitable for gifting or enjoying as a snack throughout the festive season.
Ghugni
Ghugni is a spicy curry made with dried yellow or white peas. The peas are boiled and then cooked with a variety of spices, such as ginger, garlic, onions, and tomatoes. It is often served with flatbread or as a snack on its own.
Malpua
Malpua is a sweet pancake-like dessert that is enjoyed in Bihar. It is made by frying a batter of flour, milk, sugar, and cardamom until golden brown. Malpua is often served with a drizzle of sugar syrup or a sprinkle of khoya (reduced milk solids).
These are just a few examples of the famous foods of Bihar. The cuisine of Bihar is diverse and offers a wide range of flavors and dishes influenced by the region’s cultural heritage.
