Pitha
Steamed rice dumplings with sweet jaggery filling, wrapped in banana leaves. A beloved festival sweet that brings families together during celebrations, representing prosperity and abundance in tribal culture.
Health Benefits
Ingredients
Freshly ground preferred
Grated or chopped
Fresh coconut
Freshly ground
Cut into squares
Cooking Steps
Prepare the Filling
Heat a pan and add grated jaggery. Cook until it melts and becomes syrupy. Add coconut and cardamom powder.
💡 Stir continuously to prevent burning
Make the Dough
Mix rice flour with salt. Gradually add hot water while mixing to form a smooth, pliable dough.
💡 Add water slowly to avoid lumps
Shape the Pitha
Take a portion of dough, flatten it, place filling in center, and wrap. Place on banana leaf and fold to enclose.
💡 Seal edges properly to prevent opening
Steam and Serve
Steam the wrapped pitha in a steamer for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Serve warm.
💡 Check doneness by inserting a toothpick
Cultural Significance
Pitha represents prosperity and abundance in tribal culture. It is prepared during harvest festivals and special occasions, symbolizing the gratitude of communities towards nature's bounty. The banana leaf wrapping is believed to add medicinal properties and enhance the aroma, while also representing the eco-friendly practices of tribal communities.
Serving Suggestions
- •Best served warm, immediately after steaming
- •Can be stored for 2-3 days and reheated
- •Pairs well with milk or tea
