PODA PITHA
In Odisha, Pithas are special delicacies in an Odia home.On traditional festivals sweet pithas form a part of celebrations.Even pithas are also routinely prepared and served in Odia homes in normal days.The pitha may be broadly put in the category cakes.During the return journey(Bahuda Jatra) of the Rath Yatra festival,the chariot of Shri Jagannath stops at Mousi Maa teemple and the deity is offered the favourite Poda Pitha.Poda pitha is a slow-cooked pitha made from rice flour with coconuts,dry fruits,jaggery and some spices.Its crust is slightly burnt,while the inside is soft and brown,mostly during festival of Raja parba. INGREDIENTS:- Rice powder(chaula chuna)-2 cups(I used store bought rice powder) Water-5 cups Jaggery-1/2 cup or to taste Cashew nuts-1/4 cup Shredded coconut-1/4 cup(I used frozen shredded coconut) Grated coconut-1/2 cup Cardamom pod-8-10 Whole black pepper-5-6 Fennel seeds-2 tsp Ghee-2 tbsp Salt to taste Banana leaf MET...