CHHATTISGARH – Poshan Maah – 28 Days, 28 States

The state of Chhattisgarh is known as the “Rice Bowl of India.” The traditional dishes of Chhattisgarh mostly comprise rice and rice flour and the everyday food incorporates green leafy vegetables. Being a state which produces grains in abundance, the staple diet of the people of the territory consists mainly of wheat, maize, and jowar.

CHOUSELA: Chousela is a Chhattisgarhi variant of Puri, made from rice flour. It goes well with pickle, curd, or even curry. It is often packed for travel purposes as it stays good for 2 days.

FARRA: Call it farra or peetha, this delicious cuisine steals the show. It is healthy and it is quick to make. It is a traditional version of Momos. Farra is made in the form of dumplings, the main ingredient of the dish being rice. When overnight soaked Bengal gram is blended with garlic and chillies, the mixture finds place in the kneaded rice flour. The mixture is gently placed in the heart of the ball of dough and steamed. The aroma that comes in from is irresistible. Simply cut it into pieces and drop it down in your mouth and feel the succulents of Farra.

KHURMI: This is made in every household, especially during the Pola festival. It is a festival where farmers worship miniatures idols of bulls. Made up of wheat and jaggery, it can have ounces of coconut and cardamom, the deep-fried khurmi stays for a longer duration.

BAFAURI: This is a healthy alternative to the oily pakodas which are every Indian’s favourite snack. Bafauri is a famous dish of the state which is cooked in Bengal gram flour. Various vegetables and spices add a mouth-savouring taste to the dish. The dough is prepared in the form of balls and steamed. The fact that is not cooked in oil makes it extremely healthy to eat.

DUBKI KADHI: This dish from Chhattisgarh makes it into the lunch plates of the people of the state. Dubki Kadi is a pulse-like dish which is mainly cooked with curd. This wholesome meal is best when served with rice.

MUTHIYA: This traditional and extremely healthy recipe incorporates rice flour, sesame seeds, garlic, coriander leaves, and spices is one wholesome food. The rice flour when kneaded is steamed and served hot with green chutney. It is enjoyed in the breakfast and mostly the farmers staying in the rural areas have it. It keeps their stomach fuller for a long time. It needs no oil; hence diet-conscious people can pamper themselves by having a couple of them.

AAMAT: This dish is considered the Sambhar of the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. This delectable delicacy of the state is prepared with mixed vegetables which is cooked along with the ginger garlic paste and various spices to enhance the flavour of the dish. Traditionally the dish is prepared in bamboo shoots. The bamboo keeps the flavour of the ingredients intact and also adds a unique aroma to the dish.

A land known for its temples and waterfalls, a land known to be heavily forested, doesn’t disappoint when it comes to delicacies. The spread of vegetable curries to desserts, snacks to meals, Chhattisgarh has it all. People of this region enjoy feeding their visitors and guests. From savoury to sweet, spicy to tangy, you name it and the delicacy is served to you.