In a country where Mughlai richness, Kashmiri delicacy, Lakhwani food, and Hyderabadi delicacies are much spoken of, Bihari cuisine often gets skipped. However, apart from litti-chokha, numerous Bihari delicacies are not well known throughout the nation. Apart from its historical significance, the agriculturally rich state is famous for treasured and authentic dishes that are as old as 2000 years.
If you want to explore Bihari cuisine, it is important to break the stereotype that it often consists of vegetarian food. There are several Bihari recipes, namely non-vegetarian items, desserts, and snacks, that can be easily cooked at home. When enjoyed with family, homemade, authentic food elevates its significance and improves its flavour and value.
Take a look at the exceptional Bihari dishes you must try out at least once:
1. Bihari Kabab: Initially a Muslim recipe, Bihari kabab, which is made by grilling meat mainly lamb strips on coal, was brought to Bihar in the mediaeval age when the Turkish, Persian, and Arabic clans entered the state. However, these kababs are different from those found in the Middle East. What makes them a Desi hit is the marination, choice of cooking oil, and rustic scent.
2. Sattu Paratha: Sattu Paratha is a delicious Bihari dish traditionally made of sattu, or roasted chana dal flour. It is like any other stuffed paratha; however, the filling is dry in this variety. The stuffing is made with roasted chana dal powder, thymol seeds, and dry mango powder. The sattu paratha can be paired with pickles, curd, baingan ka bharta, and a lot more.
3. Thekua: It is made especially for Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God. These are whole wheat cookies that are deep fried. What makes Thakua special is the sweet aroma of fennel seeds and cardamom, which beautifully blends with the caramel-molasses flavour of jaggery. It's the ideal cookie recipe, with a crispy and crunchy exterior and a soft interior.
4. Dal Bhari Poori: This festive dish is made by stuffing pooris with moong dal instead of chana dal. It is a simple recipe that is made at home, especially during Dussehra. It can be served alongside "Bakheer," a traditional payasam of Bihar.
5. Laung Lata: It is a traditional sweet dish from Bihar called "Labang Latika" or "Laung Lata." But there isn't much talk about it. The pastry dessert is actually a delicious street food treat with filling. The finest part about it is that clove was added to the filling which comprises of a mix of milk mawa and nuts, which lends it a distinct aroma and adds to its overall deliciousness.
6. Bihari Fish Curry: This is a traditional Bihari fish curry in which cumin, coriander, and mustard are combined. The unique feature of the dish is that the ingredients for seasoning are slightly roasted before grinding. This prevents the masala from being overcooked in oil and gives it an awesome taste and flavour.
7. Choora Bhuja: This Bihari snack can be relished at any point in time. The snack goes very well with tea in the evening. It is made with sautéed red chillies, roasted peanuts, and puffed rice. Besides, chaat masala can also be used to enhance the taste.
8. Balushahi: This sweet and savoury dish is a Bihari dessert made from khoya. It is filled with mildly sweetened khoya and spices like cardamom and cinnamon. Sometimes, it is flavoured with saffron for added taste and fragrance. This sweet, porous flour cup is then closed and deep-fried until perfection.