Bored Of Puris? Try Dhuska, The Fluffy Bread Of Jharkhand!
Image Credit: Dhuska, Freepik

Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavours of Jharkhandi cuisine, where rice, dal, and vegetables reign supreme. From curries to fried, roasted to boiled, each bite takes you on a culinary journey through the Indian state. But don't expect to find these traditional dishes commonly on a restaurant menu - they're best experienced in a local, particularly in a rural setup, where the authentic taste of Jharkhand comes to life. However, the mild and healthy preparations may surprise you, with low oil and spice content, unless it's a festive dish or a tangy pickle. One snack that will leave you craving more is Dhooska or Dhuska. If you are tired of having the popular Indian fluffy bread, puri, dhuska can be an apt alternative. 

Dhuska is a beloved fried fluffy bread made from a secret blend of powdered rice, chana dal, and sometimes boiled potatoes. Deep-fried to perfection, this savoury delight is often enjoyed as a snack. One can sample its authentic taste, particularly in small or non-fancy eateries. I came across during my recent visit to Ranchi, where a star property, to my surprise, had it in its breakfast spread. I mistook it for puri since it shares a remarkable resemblance in appearance. This was when dhuska's info was revealed to me. This indigenous fluffy deep-fried bread of Jharkhand can be savoured with alu curry to decadent meat dishes. So, grab a bite and dunk it in your favourite sauce or chutney for an explosion of flavour. Here is the simple recipe for dhuska.

Dhuska, the fluffy, deep-fried bread of Jharkhand

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1 cup chana dal
  • 1 tbsp chopped ginger
  • 4 green chillies
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup oil for frying dhuska

Freshly fried dhuska with potato curry, Image Source: tastyranchi@Instagram

Method

  • Start with soaking rice and dal together for at least four hours. Drain, and add ginger and green chillies to make the batter.
  • It should have the consistency of the dosa batter and should be smooth and flowing.
  • Add whole cumin, salt, and a pinch of turmeric to the batter, and mix well.
  • Heat oil in a kadai and wait until it is hot. Pour one large spoon of batter in the centre of the hot oil, and watch as it rises like a puri.
  • Gently press the batter, and fry until the corners become slightly crispy.
  • Remove the dhooska from the pan and place it on a kitchen towel to drain off any excess oil.

Serving

Dive into the flavours and aromas of Jharkhandi cuisine with this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for Dhooska and potato curry. Serve the hot and crispy dhuska, the fluffy deep-fried bread of Jharkhand, with the classic native potato curry, which will ooze the aroma of mustard oil and coriander leaves. Note that a slightly thin gravy is preferred with Dhuska. For those who prefer a non-vegetarian option, dhuska can also be enjoyed with spicy mutton curry. Enjoy!