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The state of Odisha is located on the east coast of India and is well known for its historical and cultural landmarks. From temples to beaches and zoos, Odisha has them all. Besides being a delicious destination for foodies, Odisha is also famous for its mouth-watering Odia cuisine. The cuisine is simple, flavorful, nutritious, and easy on the palate, yet it is renowned for its quality. Many people flock to Odisha for the tasty vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. So, here are the 10 best Odia dishes that can be easily made and enjoyed at home.
Pakhala Bhata
The semi-fermented "Pakhala Bhata" is well-liked in Odisha because of its typical climate. It is eaten as a meal during the summer season to provide relief from the usually hot climate. Research shows that consuming "Pakhala" fermented rice can result in improved bioavailability of micronutrients such as iron, potassium, and calcium. To prepare it, you need to soak cooked rice in water, add salt to it, and consume it immediately or leave it overnight for it to ferment. You can eat it with fish, potatoes, and other side dishes.
Dahi Bara Aloo Dum
Dahi vada is a dish that originates from the city of Cuttack in Odisha and is popular throughout the state. It is created by soaking vadas (fried flour balls) in light yogurt water seasoned with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Following that, the dish is served with aloo dum (potato curry) and ghugni (pea curry).
It is easy to prepare and healthy at the same time. You can easily make this at home and enjoy it with your family.
Enduri Pitha
Enduri pitha is a kind of pitha made with ground rice and urad dal batter. The fresh turmeric leaves are used to stuff it with grated coconut, jaggery, and spices. It is steamed in wide-mouthed earthen pots known as athara handis. This annual ritual is held on Prathamashtami, which occurs just before winter, to celebrate the life and prosperity of the family's firstborns.
Khaja
In Odisha, you will be able to find Khaja in every sweet shop on every street corner. It is one of the most popular and delicious treats. It is typically offered as prasad at Jagannath Temple. It is made with refined flour (maida), ghee, and spices. It is molded into a layered form and fried in ghee. In addition to being one of the state's most popular and delicious treats, it is also one of the simplest to make.
Khichdi
Khichdi is an easy yet wholesome meal. It is an important dish offered at the Puri Temple. Rice and lentils cooked together in ghee create a flavorful and appealing meal that is both nourishing and tasty. It is not only tasty, but also nutritious and a complete meal.
Kakera Pitha
The Kakara Pitha meal was created in Odisha and offered as a bhog in the Puri mandir. It is prepared with semolina and stuffed with coconut. It is simple to make and popular with everyone, including seniors and youngsters. You may prepare this sweet treat at your home as it is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chungdi Malai (Shrimp in coconut milk)
Picture credits - Instagram - @culinary_chronicle
Manda Pitha
Manda pitha or rice flour dumplings look the same as rasgullas from the outside but have a coconut stuffing inside. They are made during the monsoon and post-monsoon in Odisha, North India, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, as well as in Maharashtra, where modaks are popular.
Amba Khatta (Mango chutney)
Amba Khatta is a side dish made from raw mangoes, jaggery, and spices that adds a genuine sweet and sour taste to the meal. It is eaten at almost all Odia homes along with rice, dal, sabzi, curry, papad, bhaja, etc.
Macha Ghanta
Almost all Odia households love fish dishes, and what's tastier than macha ghanta, the head-fried fish curry? Every Durga Puja, this scrumptious curry is served with hot steamed rice and salad as an instant favorite. You can cook this at home by combining the fish head with potatoes, garlic, onions, and common spices. If you don't wish to include fish in your ghanta, you can make a veggie one.
