Boiled Rice Recipes

 Boiled rice, or "Usuna Bhata," is a Main Food in Odisha and forms the base of many traditional recipes. Here are some popular boiled rice recipes that highlight the culinary diversity of the state:

1. Pakhala  (Fermented Rice)

Pakhala is one of the most popular dishes of Odisha,  Bhata is boiled rice soaked in water and left to leave to sour overnight. It is typically enjoyed during the summer season for its cooling properties. Eating process of Pakhala is very unique. Pakhala is dipped in a bowl with water. we have to collect by hand and take it for eat, here our hand will be washed every time when we collect by hand.

Ingredients:

• Boiled rice with full of water in a bowl
• Salt
• Green chilies
• Onion
• Curry leaves
• Dried red chilies
• tamarind

2. Kanika (Sweetened Rice)

Kanika is a sweetened rice dish often prepared during festivals and special occasions. It's made with boiled rice, jaggery, and spices, making it a delightful treat.

Ingredients:

• Boiled rice
• Jaggery
• Ghee
• Cardamom powder
• Cashews
• Raisins
• Cloves
• Bay leaves

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and add bay leaves, cloves, cashews, and raisins. Sauté until golden brown.
2. Add the boiled rice and mix well.
3. Dissolve jaggery in water, then strain and add it to the rice.
4. Cook until the jaggery syrup is absorbed, and the rice is evenly coated.
5. Sprinkle cardamom powder and serve warm.

3. Dahi Pakhala (Curd Rice)

A variation of Pakhala Bhata, Dahi Pakhala is made with curd instead of fermented rice water, making it a quick and refreshing dish.

Ingredients:

• Boiled rice
• Curd
• Salt
• Roasted cumin powder
• Green chilies
• Mustard seeds
• Curry leaves
• Dried red chilies

Method:

1. Mix boiled rice with curd and a little water to get the desired consistency.
2. Add salt and roasted cumin powder to taste.
3. Prepare a tempering with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies, and dried red chilies.
4. Pour the tempering over the rice and serve chilled with fried vegetables or roasted fish.

4. Chitau Pitha (Rice Pancakes)

Chitau Pitha is a type of pancake made from a batter of rice and coconut, often enjoyed as breakfast or during festivals like Chitalagi Amavasya.

Ingredients:

• Boiled rice
• Freshly grated coconut
• Salt
• Sugar (optional)
• Water
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Method:

1. Grind boiled rice and grated coconut into a smooth batter, adding water as needed.
2. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to the batter (if desired).
3. Heat a tawa or griddle and grease it with ghee or oil.
4. Pour a ladle of the batter onto the tawa and spread it into a circular shape.
5. Cook on both sides until golden brown.
6. Serve hot with chutney or jaggery.

5. Dalma (Rice with Lentils and Vegetables)

Dalma is a wholesome dish made by cooking boiled rice with lentils and vegetables. It's often flavored with mustard seeds, cumin, and ghee, making it both nutritious and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• Boiled rice
• Split pigeon peas (toor dal)
• Vegetables (potatoes, pumpkin, raw banana, brinjal)
• Turmeric powder
• Cumin seeds
• Mustard seeds
• Curry leaves
• Ghee
• Grated coconut (optional)

Method:

1. Cook split pigeon peas (toor dal) with turmeric powder and your choice of vegetables until soft.
2. Add the boiled rice to the dal and mix well.
3. Prepare a tempering with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and ghee. Pour over the rice-dal mixture.
4. Garnish with grated coconut (optional) and serve hot.

These traditional dishes showcase the versatility of boiled rice in Odia cuisine. Each recipe reflects the simplicity and richness of the region's culinary heritage, offering a blend of flavors and textures that celebrate the essence of Odisha.