Bhaja Pithe Recipe
Traditional Bengali Dessert
Bhaja Pithe is a beloved Bengali dessert made with a combination of yellow moong dal, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices, all encased in a crispy, golden shell. This delicacy is typically deep-fried to perfection and filled with a sweet, fragrant coconut and jaggery filling. Traditionally enjoyed during festivals or special occasions, Bhaja Pithe offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that embody the essence of Bengali sweets.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) – boiled | 1 cup |
| Sweet Potatoes – boiled | 2 |
| Rice Flour | As required |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin Powder (Jeera) – roasted and ground | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Sesame Seeds (Til) | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Sunflower Oil – for deep frying | As needed |
| Fresh Coconut | 1 cup |
| Nolen Gur (Date Palm Jaggery) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds – crushed | 2 |
| Jaggery (or Condensed Milk) | As required (heated until molten) |
Instructions
Preparation of the Filling:
- Roast the Coconut and Jaggery:
In a kadai (wok), dry roast the fresh coconut and jaggery. Stir constantly to avoid burning, and roast until fragrant. Once done, set aside and let it cool.
Preparing the Dough:
2. Mash the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mash the boiled yellow moong dal and boiled sweet potatoes together. The texture should be smooth yet firm enough to hold shape.
3. Mix the Spices and Flours:
To the mashed mixture, add the jaggery, salt, roasted cumin powder, and sesame seeds. Mix thoroughly.
4. Form the Dough:
Gradually add whole wheat flour and rice flour to the mixture. Knead the dough until it becomes soft, smooth, and pliable. The dough should not be too sticky or too dry, so adjust the rice flour as needed.
Making the Bhaja Pithe:
5. Shape the Dough Balls:
Take small portions of the dough and roll them into small balls, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
6. Flatten and Shape the Pithe:
Flatten each ball using your palm. Then, with your thumb and fingers, gently press the edges to form a small bowl-like shape.
7. Stuff with the Coconut Filling:
Place a spoonful of the coconut and jaggery mixture in the center of each dough shape. Carefully pinch the edges to seal, forming a crescent or oval shape, similar to a ‘puli pithe.’
Frying the Bhaja Pithe:
8. Heat the Oil:
Heat sunflower oil in a deep frying pan or kadai over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the pithe without burning them.
9. Deep Fry:
Gently slide the prepared pithe into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches, turning them occasionally until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
10. Drain the Oil:
Remove the fried pithe from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serving the Bhaja Pithe:
11. Cool and Serve:
Allow the Bhaja Pithe to cool slightly. Drizzle with condensed milk or liquid jaggery to enhance the sweetness and flavor before serving.
Tips for Perfect Bhaja Pithe
- Consistency of Dough: The key to a perfect Bhaja Pithe lies in the right dough consistency. Ensure it is soft and non-sticky for easy shaping and frying.
- Frying Tips: Fry the pithe at a medium flame to ensure even cooking and prevent the outer crust from burning while the filling cooks through.
- Serving Variations: Some variations of Bhaja Pithe use condensed milk, while others use jaggery syrup. Feel free to drizzle either depending on your preference.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~220 kcal |
| Protein | ~4 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~42 g |
| Fat | ~6 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sugar | ~15 g |
Conclusion
Bhaja Pithe is a wonderful Bengali dessert that celebrates the rich flavors of the region. The combination of earthy moong dal, sweet potatoes, and the indulgent coconut-jaggery filling makes this dish irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a homemade Bengali treat, Bhaja Pithe is sure to delight. Serve it warm with a drizzle of condensed milk or liquid jaggery, and enjoy a taste of authentic Bengali cuisine!
