Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, boasts a rich culinary heritage and an array of delicious sweets. The local cuisine includes savoury delights like dal pitha with its spicy filling and crispy treats such as thekua, reflecting the region's diverse culinary traditions.


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In this article, we will explore the authentic sweets crafted in Ranchi’s kitchens, whether for indulging in everyday flavours or celebrating special occasions. From nutty barfi to syrupy Malpua, join us as we discover seven delightful sweets.

Till barfi

Till Barfi is a sweet and nutritious delicacy from Ranchi, typically enjoyed during Makar Sankranti. This flavorful dessert is crafted from a blend of jaggery and sesame seeds. After preparing the mixture, spread it evenly on a flat tray and allow it to cool. Once set, cut it into small pieces. For added crunch and flavour, garnish the barfi with chopped almonds and other dried fruits.

Malpua

Malpua holds a special place in Ranchi culture and traditions. This sweet and soft pancake is made of flour, milk, and sugar. It is prepared by thick batter, which is then deep-fried. You can enhance the taste of the dish by adding the richness of dried fruits like almonds, raisins, and others.

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Thekua

Thekua is one of the renowned desserts that are famous in Ranchi. This traditional sweet is often prepared during the Chhath Puja festival and is made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee, which are then deep-fried until they get a crispy texture.

Pithas

Pithas are an essential sweet dish that is part of festive celebrations in Ranchi. This staple sweet from Ranchi cuisine is stuffed in various forms, like sweet ones stuffed with jaggery, coconut, or sesame seeds. On the other hand, savoury ones are filled with moong dal, matar, or aloo.

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Anarsa

Anarsa are the rice-based biscuits that are often prepared during Diwali. This delicacy of Ranchi is made by local ingredients like rice, jaggery, suji, ghee, and sugar and is assembled by creating a mixture of rice, jaggery, suji, ghee, and sugar. Shape the dough into small balls, coat them in suji and sugar paste, then deep-fry until golden brown.

Mitha Khaja

Mitha Khaja is a pastry-like dessert that is part of religious festivals in Ranchi. This sweet dish is exchanged with neighbours and relatives on various occasions. White flour, jaggery, cardamom powder, ghee, and pista flakes act as the main ingredients during its preparation in the households of Ranchi.

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Dudhauri

Dudhauri is a special traditional dish prepared in most cities of Jharkhand, especially in Ranchi. It is prepared by making small rice balls cooked in milk, then deep-fried and soaked in a sweet syrup. This combination of dudhauri makes it a unique, soft, and delicious treat.