Odisha is the land of ancient temples. This state has a long history, and that reflects in its culture, traditions, and cuisine. So, it is nothing short of tragic that the food from Odisha remains underrated in other parts of the country. But once you get to know the cuisine, you are sure to fall in love with it. To start this interesting journey, let us first look at traditional breakfast dishes from the state.
When it comes to breakfast, the coastal state of Odisha offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes that are not only nutritious but also unique and delicious. It gives you a yummy sneak peek into the wholesome culinary heritage of the state. Let us look at five delightful breakfast dishes from Odisha.
Dahi Bara, Aloo Dum
TRecipe - Srabani Kuanr
This is a beloved breakfast dish in Odisha, consisting of two primary components: dahi bara and aloo dum, as is clearly apparent from the name of the dish. Dahi bara is made from urad dal and is a kind of soft and spongy fried dumpling. These dumplings are soaked in thin, spiced curd and garnished with mint and tamarind chutney.
The dish is incomplete without the delicious aloo dum, which is a spicy potato curry cooked with regular spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Together, these two elements are mixed and then garnished with sev, onions, green chillies, and coriander. The light, spicy dahi pani is served after finishing the dish, and it is cooling and refreshing.
Puri Upma
Puri upma is a unique combination that is popular in the Berhampur area of Odisha. Crispy, hot puris are served with the side of upma, made the regular way with sooji. Sambar, ghugni, and peanut-coconut chutney are served with this combination. It is a delicious combination that you have to try to understand why it is one of the most preferred options in the state.
Bara Ghugni
Bara Ghugni is another iconic Odia breakfast dish that combines the goodness of bara (fried lentil patties) with ghugni (spicy dried pea curry). The bara is made from ground black gram lentils, mixed with spices, and deep-fried until crispy.
Ghugni, on the other hand, is prepared by cooking dried white peas with spices like ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and red chilli powder. When served together, the crispy bara and the spicy ghugni create a mouthwatering combination that is comforting as well as filling.
Puri Dalma
Recipe - Rajshri Food
Puri Dalma is a traditional Odia breakfast dish that combines the simplicity of puri with the wholesome goodness of dalma (a lentil and vegetable curry popular in Odisha, especially Jagannath Puri). The puris are typically made from wheat flour and deep-fried to perfection.
The dalma, on the other hand, is a nutritious and delicious concoction made from lentils, vegetables like pumpkin and drumsticks, and spices like ginger, turmeric, and asafoetida, or hing. Dalma can be eaten with any and every meal, but with puri, it becomes one half of a yummy breakfast combination.
Chuda Kadali
If simplicity and taste were served in a bowl, it would become this uniquely delicious dish called chuda kadali. Chuda, or flattened rice, is a very popular ingredient for cooking in the state, and this dish proves that further. All you have to do to make it is soak the chuda and make it moist. Add curd, jaggery, sugar, and lots of bananas to it. Mix everything together, and you will have a breakfast delicacy that takes five minutes to make but keeps you full for hours while being light on the stomach.
Mudhi Mansa
Mudhi Mansa is a cherished delicacy in northern Odisha, particularly in Mayurbhanj. It holds historical significance and an emotional connection for the locals. This dish includes mutton gravy mixed with onions, green chillies, and fresh coriander, combined with puffed rice (mudhi). Mudhi is a staple food in Odisha, especially in Baripada, known for its natural production methods free from additives.
Chakuli Pitha-Aloo Tarkari
Chakuli Pitha is made from a batter of soaked rice, black gram dal, and a touch of fenugreek seeds, which is ground to a smooth consistency and fermented overnight. This pitha is served with aloo tarkari and makes for a wonderful breakfast dish. The aloo curry is prepared by cooking diced potatoes with aromatic spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and ginger, along with ingredients like tomatoes and green chilies. It is a must-try if you want to start with Odia cuisine.
Chuda Santula
It is a nutritious and simple breakfast dish that is commonly enjoyed in Odisha. It consists of chuda that is lightly seasoned and mixed with various finely chopped steamed vegetables (santula). The vegetables typically include carrots, tomatoes, onions, green chillies, and potatoes. The dish is further enhanced with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of roasted cumin powder. Chuda Santula is not only easy to prepare but also a light and refreshing breakfast option, perfect for a warm morning in Odisha.
Chhatua
This breakfast drink made with a nutritious mix of black gram, poha, and lentils, chhatua, is made by roasting all of these ingredients and then blending them together to make a powder. Then, this powder is further used to add milk and honey to prepare a healthy breakfast drink. Or it is mixed with curd and simply consumed as a protein-rich home-made smoothie.