Crepes may be a French food but Indian cuisine has managed to twist it according to its own flavours. Chilka roti is proof of the same. This soft roti-like crepe is made from rice and chana dal and served hot for breakfast in Jharkhand. The Eastern state in the country has a large part of the population lying in the rural areas. Comprising of several villages, Jharkhand is also home to a very rustic fare that simple yet flavourful. The cuisine comprises of delectable dishes that follow a simple method and basic ingredients. Not too elaborate or extensive, the meals largely comprise of the local produce, including fruits, vegetables, rice and legumes. A large chunk of the population also resides in the tribal areas, who prefer to preserve their culture and cuisine.
Both the states, like Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand follow a rice-centric diet, wherein this grain is consumed during almost all meals of the day. While the food may not be hot and spicy, it is definitely tangy and flavourful. The emphasis is on the use of green leafy vegetables. Rice is the most produced crop during kharif season in Jharkhand and forms an essential part of Jharkhand’s cuisine. Not just for lunch and dinner, rice is also a great ingredient for breakfast. Chilka roti is an example of that.
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Once cooked on one side, the crepe is flipped on to the other till it turns light brown. Fold the crepe into half from both the sides like a parcel. Serve hot and crispy with some chana dal chutney. If you’d like to try this dish, here’s a recipe for Chilka Roti.
There’s another delicious deep-fried dish from Jharkhand’s breakfast menu called Dhuska which is also made from a similar batter.
