Wouldn’t it be irreverent towards our sapid dishes like rajma, chole and kadhi if we think of having them without rice? We Indians have a special place for rice in our hearts and thus we can’t imagine a day without it. This exact emotion also leads us to different dishes that can be made with this single ingredient only. Every region in India has its take on rice and each one of them tastes incredible. Amidst such rich cuisine, there is another hidden gem that deserves a little more attention.
Kanika is a sweet rice dish that's known for its unique flavours. It is a traditional dish from Odisha which is mostly prepared during festivities. Kanika is also one of the 56 items prepared as a part of Mahaprasad or Chappan Bhoga, which is offered in the Jagannath Temple. The yellow colour of the rice also holds significance, as it is considered auspicious in Hinduism. Therefore, the rice is mixed with turmeric powder and other aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and clove which gives it an extraordinary flavour. Since it's Sawan ka Mahina, this rice can be a perfect choice for you as it is a vegetarian dish and also has high nutrition values. You can savour this dish whenever you want as it's light and easy to make. Kanika is often prepared with basmati rice as it provides a rich layer to the dish. However, you can also make it using normal rice. Additionally, it is loaded with cashews and peanuts that give a nutty touch to it.
Do relish this scrumptious Odia dish and thank us later!