Bihari Dal Pitha Recipe (Traditional Bihari Delicacy)
Bihari Dal Pitha is a traditional delicacy from Bihar, India. This savory snack features rice dough stuffed with a flavorful spiced chana dal filling, steamed to perfection. It’s an authentic recipe that brings together simple ingredients and rich flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a tea-time snack or as a part of a larger meal, these steamed dumplings are a crowd-pleaser that will surely transport you to the heart of Bihari cuisine.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (soaked for 4 hours) or Rice Flour | 1 cup or 1/2 cup rice flour |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
| Water | To cook the rice dough |
| Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal, soaked for 3 hours) | 3/4 cup |
| Green Chilies (chopped) | 2 pieces |
| Ginger (peeled and chopped) | 1 inch |
| Garlic (cloves) | 3 cloves |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ajwain (Carom seeds) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 teaspoon (for stuffing) |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves (finely chopped) | For garnish |
| Sunflower Oil (for greasing) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Bihari
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice Dough
- Grind the Rice: Begin by grinding the soaked rice to a smooth paste. Use approximately 1/2 cup of water to achieve the right consistency.
- Dilute the Batter: Add around 1.5 to 2 cups of water to the ground rice to create a thin batter.
- Season the Batter: Stir in salt and 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil into the batter.
- Cook the Batter: Transfer the batter to a heavy-bottomed pan (kadai) and cook it over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming and to ensure that the batter cooks evenly. It may appear lumpy at first, but keep stirring for about 12-15 minutes until the batter transforms into a soft, smooth dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dal Stuffing
- Grind the Dal: Drain the excess water from the soaked chana dal. Grind the dal along with green chilies, ginger, garlic, cumin seeds, ajwain, black peppercorns, and salt to form a coarse paste.
- Cook the Stuffing: In a separate kadai or wok, heat 1 teaspoon of sunflower oil over low flame. Add the ground dal paste and cook, stirring frequently, until the dal achieves a crumbly, powdery texture. This process will take about 7-10 minutes.
- Finish the Stuffing: Once the dal is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in finely chopped coriander leaves. Your dal stuffing is now ready.
Step 3: Shape the Pithas
- Grease the Steamer: Lightly grease the steamer vessel with oil. Grease your hands as well to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Shape the Rice Dough: Take lemon-sized portions of the rice dough and shape them into smooth balls while the dough is still warm for best results. Keep the dough covered with a damp cloth or lid to prevent it from drying out as you work.
- Form the Pithas: Take one dough ball at a time. Pinch the sides and gently shape the ball into a small cup. Spoon the prepared dal stuffing into the center of the cup. You can also use a gujiya mold to shape the pithas or shape them like dim sums, wontons, kozhukattai, or modaks.
- Seal the Pithas: Pinch the edges gently to seal the pitha, ensuring that the stuffing remains inside without spilling out.
- Repeat the Process: Continue this process until all the dough and dal stuffing are used up.
Step 4: Steam the Pithas
- Steam the Pithas: Place the shaped pithas in the greased steamer. Steam them for 8-10 minutes until they are cooked through. Alternatively, you can dunk the pithas in boiling water, and once they float to the surface, they are done.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the pithas from the steamer and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
- Chutneys or Sauces: These pithas pair wonderfully with a variety of chutneys, such as mint chutney, tamarind chutney, or coriander chutney.
- Spicy Treat: For an extra burst of flavor, serve with a side of spicy dip or yogurt.
Tips and Variations
- If you prefer a crisper texture, you can shallow fry the steamed pithas in a little oil after steaming them.
- Experiment with different fillings such as mashed potatoes, spiced vegetables, or even paneer for a variation in flavor.
- If you do not have access to rice flour, you can use soaked rice as mentioned in the original recipe.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approx. 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Proteins: 9g
- Fats: 5g
- Fiber: 7g
Bihari Dal Pitha is a fantastic snack for those who enjoy savory, hearty treats. With its smooth rice dough and flavorful dal filling, this dish captures the essence of traditional Bihari cooking. Whether you’re serving it at a party or simply craving a comforting snack, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy!
