Culinary heritage: Taste of Odisha

CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF DR KAVIRAJ KHIALANI

Introduction of Odisha

Odisha, a state located along India’s eastern coastline, is a land of diverse cultures, ancient traditions, and captivating natural beauty. With a history that dates back to powerful ancient kingdoms, this region is renowned for its magnificent temples, including the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple in Konark. Its classical dance form, Odissi, and vibrant festivals like the Rath Yatra are celebrated with fervor. Beyond its cultural richness, Odisha boasts a varied landscape, from pristine beaches to lush forests and wildlife sanctuaries, making it a compelling destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of heritage and nature.

• The city of Puri, home to the Jagannath Temple, offers a unique set of offerings that are considered divine by the locals. These include the Mahaprasad, a meal offered to the deity and later distributed to devotees
• Shri Jagannath Cultural Academy and Research Center has set up a replica of the temple at Puri in Orissa at Adalaj in Ahmedabad offers traditional prayer and prasadam offerings and follow the timetable of Puri temple

What are the commonly available ingredients available for cooking?

Commonly available ingredients for cooking can vary depending on your location and cuisine preferences, but here’s a list of some widely used ingredients that you can find in many kitchens around the world:

 Vegetables

• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Carrots
• Bell peppers
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Spinach

Herbs and Spices

• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano
• Basil
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Paprika
• Turmeric
• Chili powder
• Cinnamon
• Bay leaves

Proteins

• Chicken
• Beef
• Pork
• Fish
• Tofu
• Eggs
• Lentils
• Beans (e.g., black beans, kidney beans)

Grains and Legumes

• Rice
• Pasta
• Bread
• Flour
• Quinoa
• Lentils
• Chickpeas

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives

• Milk
• Butter
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Coconut milk
• Almond milk

Fats and Oils       

• Olive oil
• Vegetable oil
• Butter
• Coconut oil

Condiments and Sauces

• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar (e.g., balsamic, rice vinegar)
• Hot sauce
• Mayonnaise

Sweeteners

• Sugar
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Agave nectar

Nuts and Seeds

• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Sesame seeds

Canned and Packaged Goods

• Canned tomatoes
• Stock or broth
• Pasta sauce
• Canned beans
• Rice and grain mixes
• Cereals

Baking Essentials

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Vanilla extract
• Yeast

Fresh Fruits

• Apples
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Lemons
• Limes
• Berries

Beverages

• Water
• Coffee
• Tea
• Juice

These ingredients form the basis of a wide range of dishes and recipes. Depending on your culinary preferences, you may also have more specialized ingredients on hand for particular types of cuisine or dietary restrictions.

What is the specialty when it comes to the food of Odisha?

Odia cuisine, the food of Odisha, is known for its unique flavors and a rich culinary heritage. Some of the specialties that make Odisha’s cuisine stand out include:

1. Rice: Rice is a staple food in Odisha. It’s usually served with a variety of accompaniments and is central to most Odia meals.
2. Dalma: This is a traditional dish made with lentils and vegetables, often flavored with cumin and ginger. It’s a comforting and nutritious part of Odia cuisine.
3. Pakhala: Pakhala is a quintessential Odia dish, which consists of fermented rice served with yogurt and various seasonings. It’s a popular and refreshing summer dish.
4. Seafood: Given Odisha’s long coastline along the Bay of Bengal, seafood plays a significant role in the cuisine. Dishes like Macha Besara (fish in mustard gravy) and Chingudi Jhola (prawn curry) are highly regarded.
5. Vegetarian Delights: Odia cuisine offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, often prepared with unique ingredients. Dishes like Saaga (leafy greens), Bhendi Bhaja (fried okra), and Alu Potala Rasa (potato and pointed gourd curry) are loved by vegetarians.
6. Sweets: Odia sweets are famous, with Rasagola being one of the most iconic. Chhena Poda, made from cottage cheese and sugar, is another delectable dessert.
7. Street Food: Odisha offers a variety of street food options, with dishes like Dahibara Aloodum (spiced potato curry with fried lentil cakes in yogurt) and Gupchup (Pani Puri) being popular choices.
8. Delicacies from Lord Jagannath Temple: The city of Puri, home to the Jagannath Temple, offers a unique set of offerings that are considered divine by the locals. These include the Mahaprasad, a meal offered to the deity and later distributed to devotees.
9. Chhena Puri: Chhena Puri is a popular breakfast item, consisting of deep-fried sweet cheese balls served with puffed, deep-fried bread.
10. Street-side Snacks: Odisha has a vibrant street food culture with snacks like Bara (fried lentil cakes), Aloo Chop (spiced potato fritters), and Ghuguni (yellow peas curry) being readily available.

Odia cuisine is characterized by its use of mustard oil and a balance of flavors, with an emphasis on simple yet delicious preparations. It’s a culinary tradition that reflects the state’s rich cultural heritage and the influence of the Lord Jagannath Temple on its food offerings.

What are the some of the popular dishes which are made during festivities – weddings and celebrations?

During festivals, weddings, and special celebrations in Odisha, a variety of traditional dishes are prepared to delight the taste buds of the attendees. Some of the popular dishes prepared during these occasions include:

1. Biryani: A fragrant and flavorful rice dish, Odia biriyani is typically prepared with marinated chicken or mutton, aromatic spices, and saffron. It’s a special treat for celebrations and weddings.
2. Pulao: Vegetable or chicken pulao is often served as a festive dish. It features a blend of rice, spices, and vegetables or meat, cooked to perfection.
3. Dahi Bara Aloo Dum: A favorite street food, dahi bara is served as a special dish during festivities. It consists of soft lentil cakes soaked in yogurt and served with spicy potato curry.
4. Chhena Poda: This sweet delicacy made from fresh cottage cheese (chhena) is often prepared for celebrations. It’s a baked dessert that’s caramelized and has a unique texture and flavor.
5. Enduri Pitha: This traditional steamed rice cake is often prepared during festivals like Prathamastami. It’s made with rice flour, grated coconut, and jaggery, wrapped in turmeric leaves and steamed.
6. Mutton Kassa: A rich and spicy mutton curry, Mutton Kassa is a favorite for celebrations and weddings, offering a burst of flavors.
7. Fish Curry: Given Odisha’s coastal location, fish curry is a staple at celebrations. It’s often prepared with mustard paste, adding a unique taste to the dish.
8. Kheer: A creamy rice pudding made with milk, rice, and sugar, kheer is a popular dessert for festive occasions.
9. Kadamba: Kadamba is a sweet made from a mix of coarsely ground soaked lentils and grated coconut. It’s flavored with cardamom and often prepared for special celebrations.
10. Rasabali: Another delicious dessert, Rasabali is made from deep-fried chhena patties soaked in thickened milk, flavored with cardamom and saffron.
11. Arisa Pitha: Arisa Pitha is a deep-fried rice cake coated with jaggery syrup and is a common treat during various Odia festivals.
12. Manda Pitha: Manda Pitha is a sweet steamed rice cake filled with a coconut-jaggery mixture and is often made during Raja Parba.

These are just a few examples of the delectable dishes that grace the tables during festive occasions, weddings, and celebrations in Odisha. Odia cuisine is celebrated for its diversity and the use of traditional ingredients and flavors, which make these dishes a significant part of the state’s rich culinary heritage.

Here are a recipes from Odisha cuisine

DALMA

Ingredient

• Toor dal (split pigeon peas)
• Vegetables (pumpkin, brinjal, etc.)
• Turmeric, cumin, and ginger for seasoning
• Fresh coconut for garnish

Method

• Cook toor dal with chopped vegetables.
• Season with turmeric, cumin, and ginger.
• Garnish with freshly grated coconut.
• Serve with steamed rice.

PAKHALA

Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Yogurt
• Water
• Mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies for seasoning

Method

• Mix cooked rice with yogurt and water.
• Season with a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies.
• Serve cold, often with side dishes.

CHHENA PODA

Ingredients

• Fresh chhena (cottage cheese)
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Ghee

Method

• Mix chhena, sugar, and cardamom powder.
• Bake until it caramelizes and develops a golden-brown crust.
• Allow it to cool, and cut into pieces.

MUTTON KASSA

Ingredients

• Mutton
• Onions, tomatoes, and ginger-garlic paste
• Garam masala, turmeric, and red chili powder
• Mustard oil

 Method

• Marinate mutton with spices and ginger-garlic paste.
• Sauté onions and tomatoes.
• Add the marinated mutton and cook until tender.

CHHENA PURI

Ingredients

• Chhena (cottage cheese)
• Wheat flour
• Sugar
• Cardamom powder
• Ghee for frying

Method

• Mix chhena, wheat flour, sugar, and cardamom powder to form a dough.
• Roll the dough into small puris and fry them in ghee.
• Serve these sweet puris as a dessert.

DAHI BARA ALOO DUM

Ingredients

• Dahi Bara (lentil cakes in yogurt)
• Spicy potato curry (Aloo Dum)
• Tamarind chutney
• Chaat masala

Method

• Soak dahi bara in yogurt.
• Top with spicy potato curry, tamarind chutney, and chaat masala.
• Serve as a delicious street food snack.

These are just a few examples of the many delightful dishes you can find in Odisha cuisine. They showcase the variety of flavors and ingredients that make Odia cuisine unique and delectable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Odisha cuisine is a delightful reflection of the state’s rich culture, history, and geographical diversity. From the coastal regions to the hinterlands, Odisha’s culinary traditions offer a wide array of flavors and ingredients, making it a unique and significant part of India’s diverse food landscape.

The cuisine of Odisha boasts a harmonious blend of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights, featuring dishes like the famous Dalma, seafood delicacies, and delectable sweets such as Chhena Poda and Rasabali. Whether it’s the comfort of a plate of Pakhala on a hot summer day or the grandeur of a Biriyani at a wedding feast, Odisha’s culinary heritage provides a taste of its cultural richness and hospitality.

These dishes have not only stood the test of time but also continue to evolve, adapting to modern tastes while preserving their traditional essence. Whether you’re savoring street food in Bhubaneswar, enjoying festive treats, or exploring the intricate flavors of a home-cooked meal, Odisha’s cuisine offers a journey through history, tradition, and the vibrant spirit of the state’s people. It is a cuisine that reflects the heart and soul of Odisha, inviting all to savor the flavors and experience the warmth and tradition of this beautiful region.

Celebrity Master Chef Dr Kaviraj Khialani is a Mumbai-based hotel-restaurant and food consultant. He is specialised in over 33 international cuisines and has quality experience with hotels and airlines as a part of his long journey of over two decades in his chosen field. Chef Kaviraj is a renowned author, academician, food designer, writer and has also been awarded several national awards and global recognitions for his talent & outstanding achievements. Besides having been featured on several food shows on ColorsTV and Star Plus he is a mentor, coach and guide to aspiring to be future chefs and hoteliers of tomorrow.

He can be contacted at twitter: @kaviraj_chef, Mobile: 91 9820939336. Mail: chefkaviraj249@gmail.com

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