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Utkal Divas, celebrated on 1 April every year, is a momentous day for the people of Odisha as it marks the formation of the state. It is a time to celebrate Odisha's rich culture and heritage, including its traditional food. Odia cuisine is known for its unique flavours and locally sourced ingredients. The celebration of Utkal Divas provides an opportunity to showcase the diversity of Odia food and its importance in the state's culture. The traditional food of Odisha is prepared with great care, and many of them stems from the state's temple food culture. The celebration of Utkal Divas is a perfect time to appreciate and enjoy the delicious and authentic Odia cuisine. Here are the 11 best Odia dishes that one must sample while visiting Odisha.
Dahibara Alu Dum
Cuttack in Odisha is the home to this delicious street food known as dahibara alu dum. But it is now widely used throughout the country of India. Vadas, or fried lentil dumplings, are dipped into a curd water savoury syrup. Alu dum and ghuguni are included in the dish, and it is served in leaf bowls with a garnish of chopped onion, coriander, and sev.
Alu Potala Rasa
It would be hard to discuss the vegetarian curries of Odisha and not include alu potala rasa. This state is the birthplace of a curry with a fiery gravy. Pointed gourd (potala) and alu (potatoes) are the main ingredients, along with a few seasonings.
Maccha Ghanta
Maccha ghanta is one of Odisha's most famous recipes made with fish, and it's terrific. Crushed fish parts, or maybe only the fish's head, are added to the edible mixture to complete the dish. Do try this delicious delicacy at least once if you visit the state. As its name implies, maccha ghanta is not suitable for vegetarians.
Dalma
Odia dalma, PC: poonambachhav.blogspot.com
Dalma is prepared by boiling toor dal, Bengal gram, pumpkin, potato, brinjal, and other vegetables in water and seasoning them with a variety of spices and salt. The traditional accompaniment is simple rice. It is a staple in every home in the state due to its popularity and the fact that it is both delicious and somewhat healthful.
Santula
Santula is a popular vegetable dish in Odia cuisine. You may either deep-fry it or boil it. Potatoes, brinjal, papaya, pumpkin, and tomato are just a few of the veggies thrown together in this mashup. To prepare, boil all the ingredients together, then fry them in oil with sliced onion, panch phoran, and green chillies.
Pakhala
Odia pakhala with an array of accompaniments, PC: Shutterstock
Pakhala is prepared by soaking cooked rice in sour curd or fermenting it in water overnight. Some people even recommend adding salt to it. Folks eat it for breakfast and lunch all throughout the summer in Odisha. A wide variety of fried foods, greens, fritters, fish fries, sukhua, alu bharta, chatani, ambula, and so on are commonly offered alongside it.
Mudhi Mansa
The Mayurbhanj district of Odisha is famous for this unique dish called Mudhi Mansa. In Odia, puffed rice is called mudhi, and mansa stands for meat-based curry, which is usually mutton. This rare combination is so popular that it is served even at weddings or any grand celebration in Mayurbhanj, especially, Baripada. Do sample Mudhi Mansa when you visit Odisha.
Ambula Rai
Dried mango with a salty marinade is known as "ambula." It is a staple in most Odia homes. Mustard paste, green chillies, and pancha phutan come together to form the authentic Odia dish Ambula Rai. It is a delicious sweet-and-savoury accompaniment to rice and pulao.
Besara
Odias are known for their delicious Besara. Vegetables are braised in a mustard paste and spice mixture (paanch phutana) before being served. Pumpkin,raw banana, pointed gourd, and other vegetables of choice may also be included. You may make this meal vegetarian or add meat to it and still enjoy it.
Rasabali
The divinely delicious rasabali, PC:poonambachhav.blogspot.com
Odia dessert Rasabali is another delicious option. Originating at Kendrapara's Baladevjew Temple, this dish is dedicated to the god. Among the offerings in the Jagannath temple, this is a Chapana bhoga. Flattened chhena patties are deep-fried till golden brown and then immersed in sweetened, thickened milk.
Chhena Poda
Odia chhena poda is a one-of-a-kind treat, and legend has it that it is Lord Jagannath's preferred sweet. Cheese that has been roasted or baked is what this word means in English. It takes many hours in a preheated oven to brown the mixture of fresh cottage cheese or chhena, sugar, and semolina well mixed together and kneaded. Locals have recently urged the state government to register it as a GI product.
So, whenever you are visiting Odisha, try sampling these Odia foods. Even you can celebrate them by preparing a few Odia recipes on Utkal Divas.
