Olivia Carter
Poda Pitha is a traditional and delicious dessert from the Odisha region of India. It is a type of steamed cake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. The unique taste and texture of Poda Pitha make it a popular choice for festive occasions and celebrations.
Making Poda Pitha in a pressure cooker is a quick and convenient method. It allows you to prepare this mouthwatering dish within a short span of time, without compromising on the taste and flavor. The pressure cooker helps in achieving the perfect texture and softness of the Poda Pitha.
To make Poda Pitha in a pressure cooker, you will need ingredients like soaked parboiled rice, black lentils, jaggery, grated coconut, cardamom powder, and salt. The batter is prepared by grinding the soaked rice and lentils together and fermenting it overnight. The jaggery, grated coconut, cardamom powder, and salt are then added to the batter to enhance the flavor.
The pressure cooker is preheated and greased with ghee. The Poda Pitha batter is poured into a greased tin or bowl, and steam cooked in the pressure cooker for about 30-40 minutes. Once done, the Poda Pitha is taken out of the pressure cooker and cooled for a while before serving. It can be enjoyed as a dessert or as a snack with tea.
In conclusion, making Poda Pitha in a pressure cooker is a simple and efficient way to prepare this traditional Odia dessert. It saves time and brings out the authentic taste and texture of the Poda Pitha. So, why not try making this delectable sweet at home and surprise your family and friends with your culinary skills!
What is Poda Pitha?
Poda Pitha is a traditional Odia sweet dish made during festivals like Raja, Teej and Kumar Purnima. It is a popular dessert in the state of Odisha, India. Poda Pitha gets its name from the Odia word “poda,” which means “burnt” or “roasted.” This dish is unique in that it is made by roasting the batter, giving it a slightly charred and smoky flavor.
Poda Pitha is typically made using a combination of soaked rice, jaggery, grated coconut, and cardamom powder. The ingredients are ground to form a batter, which is then poured into a container and roasted. Traditionally, Poda Pitha is made on an open fire, using a clay pot or a pan made out of iron. However, with the advent of modern cooking techniques, Poda Pitha can also be made using a pressure cooker, which helps save time and effort.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Soaked rice |
| 1 cup | Jaggery |
| 1/2 cup | Grated coconut |
| 1/2 tsp | Cardamom powder |
Instructions:
- Grind soaked rice, jaggery, grated coconut, and cardamom powder together to form a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into a greased container suitable for pressure cooking.
- Place the container in a pressure cooker with some water at the bottom.
- Cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the Poda Pitha is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove from the pressure cooker and let it cool before serving.
Poda Pitha can be served as a dessert or a snack. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of tea. The slightly charred and smoky flavor adds a unique touch to this traditional Odia dish, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Traditional Odia Dish
Odia cuisine is known for its flavorful and unique dishes that are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the state. One such traditional Odia dish is Poda Pitha, which is a delicious cake-like preparation.
Poda Pitha is made using fermented rice and lentil batter, usually prepared during festivals or special occasions. The dish gets its name “Poda” from the Odia word, which means burnt or roasted, as the pitha is traditionally slow-cooked or burnt over a fire.
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To make Poda Pitha, first, a batter is prepared by soaking rice and lentils for a few hours. The soaked mixture is then ground into a smooth paste and allowed to ferment overnight. The fermented batter is then mixed with jaggery, grated coconut, and cardamom powder to enhance the flavor. This mixture is poured into a greased pan or pressure cooker and slow-cooked until it turns golden brown.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rice
- 1/2 cup split black gram (urad dal)
- 1 cup jaggery (grated)
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
Instructions:
- Soak rice and split black gram separately for 4-5 hours.
- Grind the soaked rice and black gram into a smooth batter.
- Allow the batter to ferment overnight.
- Add jaggery, grated coconut, and cardamom powder to the fermented batter and mix well.
- Grease a pan or pressure cooker with oil and pour the batter into it.
- Cook on low heat for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the pitha turns golden brown.
- Remove from the pan or pressure cooker and allow it to cool.
- Slice and serve Poda Pitha as a snack or dessert.
Poda Pitha is a popular dish in Odisha and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The combination of fermented rice and lentils along with the sweetness of jaggery and the aroma of cardamom makes this dish a delightful treat.
If you want to experience the authentic flavors of Odisha, Poda Pitha is a must-try dish. So, gather the ingredients and try making this traditional Odia delicacy in your pressure cooker today!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need to make Poda Pitha in a pressure cooker:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 2 cups |
| Jaggery | 1 cup |
| Coconut (grated) | 1 cup |
| Cardamom powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Baking powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Water | as needed |
These are the essential ingredients for making delicious Poda Pitha in a pressure cooker. Make sure to have these ready before you start cooking!
Rice Flour
Rice flour is a key ingredient in making poda pitha. It is made from finely ground rice grains and is known for its versatility in cooking. Rice flour is gluten-free, making it a suitable option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. It is commonly used in various dishes in Odia cuisine, including a variety of snacks, sweets, and bread.
When making poda pitha, rice flour is mixed with other ingredients like jaggery, grated coconut, cardamom powder, and ghee. The dough is then steamed in a pressure cooker to create the soft, delicious pitha. The rice flour gives pitha its unique texture and flavor.
To make rice flour at home, you can soak rice in water for a few hours and then grind it into a smooth powder. Alternatively, you can also buy pre-packaged rice flour from the market.
In addition to being used in cooking, rice flour also has other benefits. It is often used as a natural remedy for skincare, as it is known to have exfoliating and brightening properties. Rice flour can be used as a face mask or mixed with other ingredients to create homemade beauty products.
Overall, rice flour is a versatile ingredient that plays a crucial role in making poda pitha. Its unique texture and flavor contribute to the deliciousness of this traditional Odia dish.
Jaggery
Jaggery is a traditional sweetener commonly used in Odia cuisine and plays a key role in making Poda Pitha. It is a type of unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. Jaggery is known for its distinct caramel-like flavor and rich aroma.
In the process of making Poda Pitha, jaggery is melted and mixed with rice flour, grated coconut, cardamom powder, and other ingredients to form a thick batter. This batter is then poured into a greased pressure cooker and cooked until the pitha is soft and fully cooked.
Jaggery not only adds sweetness to the Poda Pitha but also gives it a unique taste and texture. It provides a natural sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. It also adds a rich brown color to the pithas, making them visually appealing.
In addition to its use in Poda Pitha, jaggery is also used in various other desserts and traditional dishes in Odia cuisine. It is believed to have several health benefits, including being a good source of iron and other minerals. Jaggery is also considered to be a healthier alternative to refined sugar due to its higher nutritional content and lower glycemic index.
Overall, jaggery is an essential ingredient in making Poda Pitha and adds a delightful sweetness and flavor to this traditional Odia dish.
Grated Coconut
Grated coconut is a key ingredient in making poda pitha. It adds a distinct flavor and texture to the dish. Here are the steps to prepare grated coconut for the recipe:
- Choose a fresh coconut with a hard shell.
- Crack open the coconut using a hammer or a heavy object.
- Collect the coconut water in a separate bowl.
- Use a knife to separate the coconut meat from the shell.
- Rinse the coconut meat with water to remove any debris or impurities.
- Grate the coconut meat using a box grater or a food processor.
- You can choose to either use the finely grated coconut or further process it to get a coarse texture.
- The grated coconut is now ready to be used in the poda pitha recipe.
Remember to always use fresh coconut for the best taste and flavor. Enjoy making poda pitha with freshly grated coconut!
Preparation
To make Poda Pitha in a pressure cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- 1 cup jaggery
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Ghee or oil for greasing
Step 1: Soaking the Rice
Start by soaking the rice in water for about 4-5 hours. Once the rice has soaked, drain the water and spread the rice on a clean cloth to dry for about an hour.
Step 2: Grinding the Rice
Transfer the dried rice to a blender or a food processor and grind it into a fine powder. Sieve the rice flour to remove any coarse particles.
Step 3: Preparing the Batter
In a mixing bowl, combine the rice flour, grated coconut, jaggery, fennel seeds (if using), cardamom powder, and salt. Mix everything well to form a thick batter. If the batter seems too dry, you can add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
Step 4: Cooking the Poda Pitha
Grease the bottom of a pressure cooker with ghee or oil to prevent the Poda Pitha from sticking. Place a stand or a small bowl in the pressure cooker and pour some water into it. This will create steam and help cook the Poda Pitha evenly.
Now, pour the prepared batter into a greased vessel that fits inside the pressure cooker. Cover the vessel with a lid or a plate to prevent steam from entering.
Place the vessel inside the pressure cooker, close the lid, and cook on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes or until the Poda Pitha is cooked through.
Step 5: Serving the Poda Pitha
Once the Poda Pitha is cooked, remove it from the pressure cooker and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Cut it into pieces and serve it warm. Poda Pitha is traditionally enjoyed with fresh homemade ghee or could also be served with milk.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice flour | 2 cups |
| Grated coconut | 1 cup |
| Jaggery | 1 cup |
| Fennel seeds (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
Mixing the Ingredients
Before mixing the ingredients for Poda Pitha, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready:
- 2 cups of rice flour
- 1 cup of grated coconut
- 1 cup of jaggery
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
- Water, as required
Here’s how you can mix the ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, add the rice flour.
- Add the grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom powder, and salt to the bowl.
- Start mixing all the ingredients together using your hands.
- If the mixture feels dry, gradually add small amounts of water while kneading until you get a soft dough-like consistency.
- Knead the mixture for a few minutes until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Once the ingredients are mixed well, you can move on to the next step of preparing the Poda Pitha.
FAQ
What is Poda Pitha?
Poda Pitha is a traditional Odia dessert made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It is commonly prepared during festivals and special occasions in the state of Odisha, India.
How can I make Poda Pitha in a pressure cooker?
To make Poda Pitha in a pressure cooker, you will need to first prepare the batter by grinding soaked rice and lentils. Then, mix the batter with jaggery, grated coconut, and other flavorings. Grease a cake tin or any heat-resistant container with ghee and pour the batter into it. Place the cake tin in a pressure cooker and cook for about 40-45 minutes on medium heat. Allow the Poda Pitha to cool down before removing it from the tin.
What ingredients are required to make Poda Pitha?
The ingredients required to make Poda Pitha include rice, black gram lentils, jaggery, grated coconut, ghee, cardamom powder, salt, and water.
Can I use a regular cooker instead of a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can use a regular cooker instead of a pressure cooker to make Poda Pitha. The cooking time may vary, so it is recommended to keep a check on the Poda Pitha while it is cooking to ensure it is cooked properly.
