Bihari cuisine may be best known for its signature dish, litti choka, but there are more exquisite dishes to try from this beautiful state. Mustard, panch phoran, khada masala, garam masala, mustard oil, chura, or flattened rice (also known as poha), rice flour, and all seasonal produced veggies and fruits are frequent components in a Bihari household.
A traditional lunch thali features some glistening Dal Bhatt (basically dal and rice), mildly spiced Aloo ka Bhujia, Ol (yam) ka Achaar, and Yam Chutney. They frequently eat Choora or Chura for breakfast, which is made from flattened rice or poha and yoghurt.
Drooling much? Here are some delicious Bihari dinner recipes you can try.
1. Bihari Kebab
Kebab marinated in yoghurt, crushed raw papaya, ginger, garlic, chilli powder, mustard powder, pepper, cardamom, and a few other Indian spices. A few variations of this kebab are also very popular in Pakistan. You can substitute any preferred meat for the chicken strips. Here's the recipe.
2. Sattu Paratha
Sattu is made by grinding dry-roasted Bengal Gram (chana dal). Sattu is also used in the preparation of Litti and Poori. It appears to be besan, but upon closer inspection, it is darker and coarser. Because it is not made of grains, Sattu Parantha is eaten during Navratri. It's a little dry at first, but it's absolutely delicious with mixed vegetables and yoghurt. Check out this simple recipe of Sattu Paratha.
3. Bihari Fish Curry
What distinguishes Bihari Fish Curry is a traditional method of cooking fish in Bihar or by the Bihari community. The traditional masala is the key to this fiery curry. Coriander, cumin, black pepper, mustard seeds, and red chilli are roasted over low heat before grounding to make the masala. It is one of the most delicious curries you can eat in Bihar, it never disappoints.
4. Chana Turai
The Chana Turai (Ridge Gourd with Black Chana Recipe) is a popular simple recipe from Bihar. The dish combines classic and rustic flavours, bringing out the true flavour of the dish. Turai, also known as Ridge Gourd is high in nutrients and minerals, and when combined with Black Chickpea, it provides a good source of dietary fibres and proteins.
As a healthy dinner, serve the Chana Turai with hot pulka or steamed rice.
5. Litti Choka
Litti is a popular food in India's Bihar. It is made of wheat and sattu that has been spiced and stuffed into maida balls before being deep fried in ghee or baked. Although Litti is frequently confused with Rajasthani Baati, it is a completely different dish in terms of flavour, texture, and preparation. It goes well with yoghurt, baigan bharta, aloo bharta, and papad. Litti is traditionally baked over a cow-dung fire, but they can also be deep fried or baked in the oven. For lunch or dinner, serve the Litti Chokha with Aloo Choka, Baingan (Choka) Bharta, yoghurt, and pickled green chillies. Don't miss out on this recipe.
6. Bihari Kadhi Bari
Bihari Style Kadhi Bari Recipe is a popular dish from Bihar. Kadhi is a yoghurt-based stew that is made by combining yoghurt and gram flour and then seasoning with a few aromatic spices. Pakoras made from gram flour are dipped in kadhi. Serve with jeera rice as a lunch or dinner dish. Here's the recipe.
7. Khatua
Khatua is a type of khichdi popular in the Bhojpur region that is made with rice and toor dal. Melon juice adds a mild fruit flavour to this khichdi, making it light and flavorful. The khichdi is enhanced by the addition of pounded garlic and green chilli paste. Normally, it is made with leftover rice and dal, but you should make it from scratch for the best taste. For a light weeknight dinner, try this light and flavorful khichdi, along with some curd, salad, and papad.