Pita Saga Bati Basa Recipe: A Flavorful Vegetarian Delight from Odisha
Pita Saga Bati Basa is a beloved dish from the rich culinary tradition of Odisha, India, that beautifully showcases the vibrant flavors and textures of fresh vegetables and spices. This wholesome, vegetarian preparation is perfect for a comforting dinner, offering a delightful blend of earthy goodness and aromatic spices. Its main ingredient, Pita saga (Glinus oppositifolius), is a green leafy vegetable that adds a unique taste and nutritional value to the dish. Pair it with steamed rice and a refreshing Kachumber salad, and you have a meal that is both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pita saga (Glinus oppositifolius) | 2 cups |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1 medium, diced |
| Tomato | 1 medium, diced |
| Onion | 1 medium, finely chopped |
| Brinjal (Baingan/Eggplant) | 1 medium, diced |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Badi (wadi) (sun-dried lentil dumpling) | 4 pieces, roasted and crushed |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard oil | 2 tablespoons |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 250 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Vitamin A | 20% DV |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 8% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 10 |
| Cooking | 15 |
| Total | 25 |
Servings
| Serving Size |
|---|
| 2 |
Cuisine
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Oriya Recipes |
| Course | Dinner |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
Instructions
-
Roasting the Badis: Start by heating a deep frying pan or a wok over medium heat. Place the sun-dried lentil dumplings (badis) in the pan and roast them gently until they become slightly crispy. Once roasted, remove them from the pan and crush them roughly into small pieces. Set aside.
-
-
Preparing the Vegetables: While the badis are roasting, finely chop the onion and set it aside. Dice the brinjal (eggplant), potato, and tomato into small cubes, ensuring that the sizes are uniform for even cooking.
-
Making the Spice Paste: In a blender, combine the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, minced garlic, and slit green chillies. Blend these ingredients into a smooth paste, adding a small amount of water if necessary. Traditionally, you can also use a stone mortar and pestle for this step, which brings out the flavors even more distinctly.
-
Cooking the Pita Saga: In the same frying pan or wok used for the badis, add the chopped Pita saga. Pour in the prepared spice paste, followed by the chopped onion, cubed brinjal, potato, and tomato. Sprinkle salt, turmeric powder, and drizzle the mustard oil over the mixture.
-
Mixing and Cooking: Using your hands (or a spatula if preferred), mix all the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the vegetables are well-coated with the spices. Cover the pan with a lid and allow it to cook on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The aim is to allow the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
-
Adding the Crushed Badis: After the cooking time, you will notice that the vegetables have become tender and slightly mushy. At this point, add the roughly crushed badis to the mixture and give it a quick stir to incorporate.
-
Final Infusion: Cover the pan again and turn off the heat, allowing it to sit covered for another 2-3 minutes. This resting time helps the flavors to infuse further with the badis, creating a deliciously aromatic dish.
-
Serving Suggestions: Once ready, serve the Pita Saga Bati Basa hot alongside steamed rice and a refreshing Kachumber salad, made with chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and a dash of lemon juice. This pairing not only enhances the flavors of the dish but also offers a vibrant contrast that delights the palate.
Conclusion
Pita Saga Bati Basa is not just a meal; it is an experience steeped in the culinary heritage of Odisha, reflecting the simplicity and depth of vegetarian cooking. This dish is ideal for anyone looking to explore new flavors and enjoy a wholesome, nutritious dinner. Whether you are preparing a special meal for your family or simply indulging in the joy of cooking, Pita Saga Bati Basa is sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the vibrant taste of this traditional Oriya dish, and let it bring warmth and comfort to your dining table!
