November 14, 2007

CUISINE OF BIHAR

Here is my RCI-Bihar entry which is hosted by Sangeeta of "Ghar ka khana" this month. Thanks for hosting Sangeeta!:)

About the state of Bihar:


Picture of Bodhgaya of Bihar, a place where Buddha had achieved enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhisattva tree. Photo from here.
The name Bihar derived from Sanskrit word "Vihar" meaning abode, is a land of monasteries. Called as "Magadh" in ancient times, Bihar boasts of many Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Muslim and Sikh shrines.The state capital of Bihar is Patna and the language is Hindi with Bihari dialect.More about Bihar is here.
"The land of the enlightened Buddha, Bihar boasts of a rich culinary heritage that has been passed down through generations. The authentic cuisine of Bihar reflects the styles of the Mauryas, the Guptas, the Turks, the Afghans, the Mughals, the Persians, the Bengal Nawabs, and the Europeans. Bihari cuisine is known for its simplicity and elegance.The staple diet of Bihari people are rice, wheat chapatis, dals and milk products with the generous use of mustard oil and panch phoran." This Info is from here.


About Bihari dishes:
Bihar cuisine is one of the those which stumped again like state of Odiya! I just couldn't find any cookbooks exclusively devoted to Bihari cuisine although you do find Bihari Kababs, Litti recipes here and there in other cookbooks. Sattu, a yellow gram flour is used commonly in various dishes in Bihar. For some of the following delicious and authentic vegetarian Bihar recipes, I had to refer to these two websites making my own changes to simplify the recipes. They are here and here. Thanks to both sites!:)

Bihari Litti, Kothmir chutney and Achari Baingan Bharta:
Littis, made of plain flour crust stuffed with Sattu flour make a great snack with coriander chutney, and mashed grilled Eggplants, spiced with pickle juice. I baked these Littis but I think deep frying them gives the crust much better texture! Try it.

To make Litti:

For the Litti dough, you need:
1 1/2 cups Plain flour, 1/2 to 3/4 cup Yogurt, 1 tsp baking powder, salt. Mix and knead all these without using any water and using as much as yogurt you need to make a pliable dough. Make 6-8 balls.Cover and keep it aside. Make the filling.
For Sattu Filling:
1 cup Sattu (powdered yellow chana gram flour or chutney dal flour), ground 2 garlic, 1" fresh ginger, 2 green chillies or chilli pd, 2 tbsp minced cilantro, 1/2 tsp Nigella (black onion seeds), 1/2 tsp mustard seeds, 1/2 tsp Ajwain seeds, 1 tbsp Lemon juice, 1 tbsp Lemon pickle juice from the readymade jar and salt.
Mix all these, add just enough water to make a moist thick dough for filling.DO NOT make it soft! Make 6-8 balls.

How to make the Littis:
Preheat the oven or heat the oil to deep fry.
1. Dust each dough ball with dry flour lightly and press it out on your oiled left palm about 3" diameter in size with your right palm.
2. Put a ball of sattu filling in the center of the patty and close it from all sides and seal the edges.
3. When all the littis are stuffed, either bake in the oven till one side is brown spots come on the littis or you can deep fry them which will have a crisp outer layer.
4. Take them out, dip in ghee if baked and serve with cilantro chutney and Baigan ka bhurta (mashed and spiced egg-plant).

To make Kothmir Chutney:
Kothmir is a Hindi word for Cilantro or Coriander leaves. This spicy chutney is a great accompaniment for Littis.
1. Mix all these and grind; 2 cups chopped fresh Cilantro, 3-4 garlic, 2 green chillies, 2 tbsp lemon juice, salt.
2. Take it out into a bowl and add 2 tbsp warm Mustard oil and mix with it to be authentic Bihari chutney or heat 2 tbsp oil and add 2 tsp mustard seeds until they splutter. Add it to chutney and mix.

Achari Baingan Bhartha:
Achari means pickled in Hindi. Baingan Bhartha is grilled mashed spicy Eggplants. Here in this recipe, it is spiced with a tbsp of juice of any jar of pickle which give a wonderful taste!
1. Wash, wipe, brush some oil on top and bake 1 large purple Eggplant in 350F oven for 50 mins until it cooks inside out.
2. Take out, hold it under the cold water until the skin shrivels. Peel the skin and scoop the soft pulp with a spoon into a bowl.
3. Discard the skin and any seeds inside. Mash the pulp with a fork until coarse and let it cool.
4. When cooled, add 1 onion minced, ground 2 garlic and 1" ginger, 4 tbsp minced cilantro, salt, 1 tbsp lemon or mango pickle juice from the pickle jar, 1 tbsp Mustard oil and mix well.
Alternately; if you don't like raw taste of ginger-garlic paste in Bharta, heat 1 tbsp oil and add 2 tsp mustard seeds, then ginger-garlic paste, saute quickly and add to the Bharta along with other spices shown above.

A Bihari Thali; Kichdi with it's Chaar yaars and Kesar Kheer!!
Chaar Yaar means "four friends". Bihari Kichdi is usually served with it's four friends ie Raita, Papad, ghee and Pickle!! I loved this Kichdi, which almost tastes like our own Bisibele Bhath but cooked with Moong dal and Masoor dal. YUM!:)


To make Kichdi:

Season first:
Heat 4 tbsp ghee or butter in pressure pan , add 1 dry red chilly, 2 Bay leaves, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tbsp Ginger -Garlic paste, Fry or a minute.
Then add:
1/2 cup Masoor dal, 1/2 cup Moong dal, fry until slightly golden. Then add 1 cup Basmati or long grain rice, stir to mix. Add about 3 cups of water, 1 cup cubed mixed vegetables ( I used Green Peas and Cauliflower), salt and cook on a gentle heat for 3 mins or until they are cooked.
While it's cooking....Roast the whole spices lightly and powder with others:
Seeds from 1 Cardamom, 3 cloves, 1 Black Cardamom seeded, 1" Cinnamon stick, 1/2 tsp chilli pd, 1 tsp Cumin seeds, 2 tsp Coriander seeds, 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric.
And then....
When the pressure releases, open and add the ground powder. Heat thru' once more and adjust the spices. serve with Chaar yaars!:))

Palak Raita:
This yogurt relish is mixed with cooked Spinach gives the Raita a great texture and taste as well to make Kichidi even more tasty and nutritious.




1. Take 1 frozen bag of Spinach, thawed and squeeze out the water or chop about 2 cups o fresh Spinach. Cook these, drain as much water as possible, cool and chop it finely.
2. Beat 2 cups o plain Yogurt, add black salt (Kala namak) or plain salt, 1 tsp Cumin seeds powder, 1/4 tsp Prpper powder, 1-2 minced green chillies.
3. Add cooled Spinach and chill for 1/2 an hr before serving.



Saffrony Kheer:
Kheer or pudding is cooked with Chawal/rice, Saffron, sugar and flavored with Cardamom, raisins and Cahews rounds up a beautiful meal! Enjoy!:)



To make Kheer:
1. Take 1/2 cup Basmati or any rice - 1/2 cup, wash and drain. In a non-stick pan, add 1 tbsp Butter, rice, 3 cups of full cream milk, 1/2 cup sugar, few strands of Saffron and 1/2 tsp Cardamom seeds powder. Cook all these on medium with frequent stirring until rice is soft and milk has thickened like thin porridge.
2. Heat 2 tsp ghee or butter, add 6 Cashew nuts, 10-15 Raisins, fry until golden and add to the rice Kheer, mix. Serve warm or chilled.




Bihari Kababs:
Bihari Kababs are usually made with Beef strips or Lamb strips depending on which community non-vegetarians people of Bihar belong to. Meat is marinated with very flavorful mix of spices overnight and grilled, served with lots of salad on the side.
Vegetarians, you can use the same masala on big chunks of Tofu or Paneer to make Kababs.

To grill Bihari Kababs: 1. Slice 2 Beef fillets (or Lamb fillets) into about 12 1/2" thick, about 4 or 5" long, 2" wide strips. Place them in a Zip-lock bag.
2. Heat 2 tsp oil, add 1 large onion sliced and fry until golden. Put in the blender along with 2 tsp oil, 1" ginger, 3 garlic, 2 tsp Fennel seeds, 1 black cardamom, 2 green cardamom both seeded, small piece of Mace, 2 cloves, 1" cinnamon, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 2 tsp coriander seeds, 1/2 tsp peppercorn and salt blend all these into smooth paste with 2 tbsp lemon juice or yogurt.
3. Pour into the Zip-lock bag, lock and mix the meat and spice well. Keep it in the fridge to marinate for 4-6hrs or overnight.
4. Turn on the grill. Skewer the Kababs lengthwise and grill it about 10" away from grill turning frequently for about 15mins or so until you get brown spots on the Kababs. Do not let it burn.
5. Serve with yogurt sauce and salads.
Yogurt Sauce: Blend 1/2 cup plain yogurt, few strands of Cilantro,1 green chilly, 1 garlic, salt and pepper until well mixed and serve on the side.

That's about it for RCI-Bihar, loved all these dishes! Enjoy and see you all next week with what else but my Thanksgiving post!!:)

147 comments:

Finla said...

Ha ha ha I am the first one :-)
From yesterday comment i knew you were going to post something new here.

Finla said...

Hey i just thought i will send the comment fast to be the first one before somebody else send it while i was typing :-)
You family musqt ba very happy for the rci events as always you make a full regional things.
I love all the dishes. But mostly i love the kebabas.

Siri said...

Lovely Bihari spread Ashaji, I wonder how u manage to cook such delicious savories every single time..:) Ur family must be very lucky. I loved the Bihari Littis, those look like kachoris. and how cum u posted event based posts on Foodieshope?.. U generally post on Aroma rite?.. just curious..:D

Rajitha said...

yummm...asha i goota give it to u..i love the way you go ahead adn make thalis instead of a one dish entry like many of us do...that is enthu :)..love all of them..should make it atleast once..i hope!!

Deepak Gopi said...

We have some thing like this called Kozhu katta.
Made in rice stuffed with coconut and jaggery
Very delicious

FH said...

F, YAY!!:D
I post every Wednesday here, didn't you know? Once a week, I post something here promptly. I loved the Kichidi and kids loved the Kababas!:))

Siri, they are like Kachoris except different Sattu stuffing.
RCI and JFI I post here because of the multiple dishes. All the others with one dish are at Aroma!:))

Thanks Rajitha. I try and look for authentic dishes for each state and make a thali if possible to celebrate and to learn. I would have never tried these otherwise!:)

Deepak, I know those sweet white Kozhakattais. They are delicious too. These are almost like savory Kachoris Bihari style. Enjoy!:))

Lata said...

Littis look yummy and also the Kichidi. Will try that Kichidi sometime today.

Shivapriya said...

I typed big comment and it vanished somewhere:(... anyway everything looks awesome, kachori's reminds me of stuffed parathas with dal and will sometime try panner kebabs. Yummy!!

Richa said...

lovely spread, asha!
that khichadi looks yum! wow! there is a similar 'char yaar' saying in punjab as well :) and they do make one tasty meal together :)
btw is kothmir hindi? i think dhania is hindi. i know it is kothimbir in marathi!
need to try these dishes sometime, hopefully sooner than later ;)

Bong Mom said...

ooooooooooooh what a spread. Love those Littis.
But do people from Bihar eat Beef ? The kababs look gorgeous though

EC said...

Wow..all of them look so good...hope u hade a great time with it

bee said...

what? you only made seven dishes? :D lovely spread.

FH said...

Lata, Kichidi was really delicious. I loved it more than Littis!:))

Shivapriya, I think Littis are better if fried than baked. Gives it a nice crispy crust!:)

Richa, word Kothmir came from that Bihari site, they must say it that way although Kottambari soppu and Dhania are both Kannada words too! So many words for the same, huh? :)
Loved the Chaar yaars though, never heard of it before!:D

Thanks Sandeepa. I have a "Kababs" cookbook which says "Bihari Kababs" and they use Beef fillets. Some Indians do eat Beef, I never knew it when I was in India and until I saw many recipes in the Internet!:D

Lissie said...

asha, the thali looks perfect! loved the kichdi, saffrony kheer and ofcourse kababs :D

Laavanya said...

Asha, that was just wonderful. Never knew that Bihari cuisine had so many doable, lovely dishes. I loved the idea of adding pickles to the baingan bartha and the 'Chaar Yaar' is just too cute! :)

FH said...

We did enjoy E, thank you!:))

Bee, just seven dishes this time around unfortunately!!;D

Seema Bhat said...

Ashakka, You are a superwoman buddy. yeshtondu variety...Oh boy you family is very lucky. Everything is kind of new to me. I loved littis. They look so very perfect and that achari baingan oh boy so very tempting. Beautiful and mouthwatering... all of them.

Latha Narasimhan said...

Ahaa! What a spread!:) Did you visit rabri and lalloo!:D
Will read your post leasurely! Now I am off to chennai! Tata!

Anonymous said...

I know nopthing about Bihari food! So much to know about India and so little time! I really love the RCI event coz it gives insight to so many states' cuisine that I knew nothing about. Good spread, Asha. The Achari baingan looks and sounds very tempting!

Anonymous said...

yes yes it kills me to comment - din't you know that? ;)

litti caught my attention in this marathon.

Raks said...

I wanted to say what rajitha had already said here....
I loved your Litti of all these!!!

Anonymous said...

I completely forgot to brag - we had a fabulous trip to Shimla - I did rock climbling and descending :D - will send you daredevil (hope the look so) shots soon :D

pssst i chickened out on one activity - the instructor at the camp wanted me to hang upside down a rope the size of a string and cross a ridge (artificial river) - hmph - what was he thinking?

Rina said...

Hey Ashaji I'm psoting Bihari kabab too for RCI. Your cuisine looks gr8. Can't wait to try those littis.

FH said...

Kababs were so fragrant and delicious Lissie.My kitchen was smelling like restaurant. Hope you try!:))

Laavanya, I was lost too at first, didn't know much about Bihari cuisine. They do have wonderful dishes. Kichidi was yum!:)

Seema, Littis were so good, I should have fried them for crisp outside. You must try Kichidi, really tasty, almost like BBB!:)

LOL!! Don't want to meet Lalloo bhai ever!!
Have a safe trip and enjoy Chennai. Tell us all about it when you can. Hugs to you girl!:))

TBC said...

I do not know a thing about Bihari cuisine. Where do you find the energy to do so much and take all those pics, Asha?
These days just thinking about posting s'thing is exhausting for me!
BTW, y did u call me Pravs?( ur comment on my blog) Bad, bad, Asha:-(
I have to come back and read the post... gotta rush towork now:-)

FH said...

Vani, good to see you girl. Yes, many of us are so unfamiliar with Bihari cuisine, only hear about their politics all the time!:D
Adding pickle is so clever, and tastes good too.
RCI is a great event, love it too. Enjoy. Kichidi is yummy and nutritious, try it!:)

LOL!! Good to see you back Lakshmi. Mom is already on her way, enjoy.
Littis are little hard work but worth the effort.
Pamper your mom, and let us know what went on there!
Upside down on a thin rope!! I would chicken out too. Glad you had a great time, will look out for photos!:)

Thank you Raks. Littis make a mini meal itself. Try it. I never knew to add the pickle to Bharta, very clever!:)

YAY!! Rina, thank God for your Bihari Kababs, thought I will be the only one!! Can't wait to see your's, we loved the Aroma. YUM!:))

FH said...

Oops!! So sorry tbc. See, that's what happens if I cook too much and can't stop to think who is who!!:D
Usually, I don't do that, today I am little wiry. I know you will forgive me. Hugs!:)
I don't make all these in one day. Probably a week's worth of cooking , take the photos and make a post later. Enjoy!:))

DEEPA said...

oh my god ...asha ji .....Excellent spread....I have never heard about these ... palak ratai ...i will surely try and make it at home for sure ....I wish i could live close to you so that i could drop by every week and eat many delicious stuffs...

FH said...

Haha! Deepa, every week eating in my house? I will have to adopt you then!:D
Palak is so unique, isn't it? I never knew Biharis eat so well, great to learn about other states. Enjoy!:)

musical said...

This is a lovely spread, Ashakka! Never made littis by baking, that a cool idea :). Hey and we make one similar raita with another green called bathua (i dunno' the English name and never seen it here), so palak would be a good substitute for me to try!

Love,
musical.

Deepa Hari said...

Nice thali...Liked all the recipes...Hope you had a great time enjoying it.

FH said...

Hi Musie, I have heard of Bathua greens too but never cooked with it. Palak makes it good. Baked Littis were little hard to chew, fried is better I think! Enjoy!:)

We did Deepa, specially Kichdi, it was yum. Hope you try!:)

Bharathy said...

Another fabulous spread from the blogger Quwweeeen!!:D..Gorgeous , girl!!!

Do you cook beef??Thought you wont!!..hmm

AnuSriram said...

wow... asha what a gr8 bihari feast... Littis looks tempting...

FH said...

Bharathy, we were good little Hindus until we moved to England and then we became bad Hindus, love the Burgers and Chilis now!:D
Glad you liked the post, loved your Arusvai post.Looking forward to Lakshmi's pack too. Enjoy!:)

Thank you Anu, it was fun creating all these. India is so versatile in Cuisine and life styles, great to learn! Enjoy:))

sra said...

Litti is totally new to me, nice spread!

USHA said...

Hi Ashaji,

Asusual Wednesdayspecial is really very delicious and rich today.Variety of recipes...hope whole family enjoy this regional recipes.

Saju said...

I was looking forward to Wednesday, to see what you were going to blog. Lets say I was not disappointed. Amazing again, I love the litis/kachories, chutneys, kebabs and everything! Great entry, I still am still wondering what to do for RCI

Anonymous said...

Love the Littis and thali looks delicious.

FH said...

sra, I have never heard Littis either, great learning process, huh?:)

Usha, that' right. Pick a state and cook from them.I would never have cooked somany on my own given a chance. They are all great. Enjoy!:)

Saju, Kababs so fragrant. I think adding fennel makes it so yummy. I am enjoying RCI tremendously. Sangeeta has listed many websites, choose one, they are not at all dishes hard to cook! Have fun!:))

Thank you Madhu!:)
They are like Kachoris but with Kadalehittu stuffing. With pickle juice added, they taste great. Try it.

Anonymous said...

very intresting and tempting bihari cuisine.

Mishmash ! said...

Litti is interesting...i want to try that....i did not know Bihari's make beef kababs....thought only some hardcore non veg keralites are crazy about beef preps..:D

FH said...

Ramya, they are interesting and adding pickle juice is so clever too! Tastes so good:))

Thanks shn. Yeah, I thought very few ate Beef in India too. But if you google for Bihari Kababs almost all of them have Beef Pasandas there, Mughal influence!:D
I had to double check and yeah, apparently these Kababs are very popular dish named after Bihar too! It tastes great, enjoy!:)

Anonymous said...

Hi Asha,
delicious spread.

shalini

remya said...

wow!!! ur rocking as usual ashaji...lovely spreads....love all ur bihar dishes....ur family is very lucky ,having wonderful spreads almost everytime....i'm still thinking about wat to cook for this event :-)

FH said...

Thank you Shalini, try the Kichidi with Chaar yaars!:))

Remya, thanks. I made these over 2 weeks time.As soon as I know which state, I start to cook one dish at a time!:))

Anonymous said...

Hi Asha,

I have been silent reader all this while. Very nice blog and great job done by you.

I have personal request that I like to send to you thro' email. but couldn't find any your email id in the blog. Will you be kind enough to send your email address to my email 'suja_kan(at)yahoo(dot)com'

indosungod said...

Asha, I love the Littis kind of like kachoris right, hmmm they are baked so there is no excuse for me to cook them. Finish off with some kheer lovely.

FH said...

Hi Sujata, send it to foodieshope@hotmail.com
I don't check my e mail often, so don't worry if you don't get a fast reply, I will catch up with you soon!:)

Indo, they are tasty. Baked Littis are little harder to chew but tastes great! Try it!Using pickle juice makes so easier too!:))

Vanamala Hebbar said...

Asha

Saw all the karnataka recipes - round up in your blog,that was awesome hufff. Missed my recipes :(

BTW very interesting bihari recipes.

-Mala

FH said...

Hi Mala, I know but you were on break, so that's okay. Glad you went thru' all of them. It was fun. For one whole month everywhere you see, you would see my RCI K logo! We had a blast!:D
Thanks Mala, enjoy the Bihari dishes as well!:)

Bhawna said...

Wow.... Thank god u can't gain weight just looking at the food, else i have to participate in biggest lossers every year.
Littis looks delicious.

Anonymous said...

What a feast ther Asha and loved Littis and other Bihar recipes.

Seema said...

Asha - Wow! what a fabulous spread....I have no idea on Bihari cuisine & learnt so many mouthwatering recipes from you! Your family sure had a feast.. can i join in too :-)
Adopt me or not thats your call :-)I can be a guest..."Mehman Bhagwan hote hai!!"

Ramya's Mane Adige said...

Ashakka, lovely spread as usual!!!! How do u manage to make so many wonderful dishes everytime?

DK said...

One of the mistakes I will never make is to try to imitate ur speed! U r faster than a bullent train! Where do u get the time/energy/inspiration from! I am going to select one from these numerous dishes and send them as my entry for RCI!

Neelam said...

Lovely Recipes Asha!
I like the khichdi with spinach raita, Yum!

Anonymous said...

Lovely Bihari dishes Asha! I especially like the kichidi with that little ladle resting in the papad ;) Eggplant with pickle seasoning looks great too! Have a great weekend -- gearing up for Thanksgiving here, too :)

Keshi said...

I'd love to visit Bihar some day...seems like a beautiful land full of temples. Vihar is also the Sinhalese term for Buddhist temple abodes where the temple treasures r stored. Lovely pic there!


The food looks equally delicious :) Omg Im hungry!

Keshi.

Menu Today said...

Hi Asha,
Beautiful Spread..
Bihari Littis look so nice and baking is a great idea.

Seena said...

Asha,
Very lovely spread, looks like it is coming from a restaurant, especially kababs..great!
I don't know anything about Bihari cuisine, this is first time am knowing about it.So I have to try out dishes from other states too..Yours Bihari specialties made me think so..thanks dear.

amna said...

i am so behind in event participation :( have to start this weekend!

Anonymous said...

Dear Ashakka, Littis look fantastic.Trust you had gr8 time eating them. Hugs.

Anonymous said...

nice! I think i've had the litti-sattu. I have a UP friend who prepares this! I completely forgot to check up with her for bihari dishes!!! Will try out the litti myself over the week :)

Purnima said...

Ashakka, how do u manage????????? I am still in awe ..so many dishes at one go, plus glamorous snaps+info+recipes..rather mouthwatering food..work, home, kids, gardening; multitasking!!!!! I can't create a widget,I wd hv given an awesome one for you!!!
Great ...great ....truly great..U SLOG a lot! Hope my kids too find me as efficient as you someday..thriving to become like you! (BTW..how do your eyes feel now..)Take care..

Dhana said...

Are the littis like kachoris? They look yummmm

Sona - quick picks/pick quicks said...

my my, as usual Asha, the looonnngg mighty spread, lovely...u are one proud property to ur husband, dear..

Beccy said...

Asha, it all look delicious as usual. I really should try out more new recipes in the kitchen instead of sticking with the same few.

FH said...

And imagine my state of health Ms.Bhawna, who is cooking all these!;D

Thank you Pria, enjoy!:))

LOL!! Clever saying to use Seema. Guest sounds better if you want to be treated like Bhagwan!!:D

Thanks Ramya. I make them in different times, not on the same time,usually Sundays which is a day for family lunch!:))
Enjoy.

FH said...

Dhivya, thanks girl!:)
I have to cook meals everyday anyway.I just plan the menu around the events.Oh, the blogger's life!!;D
Go ahead and choose one for RCI!:)

Neelam, great choice, I really liked the taste of Khichdi, try it. Makes a quick meal too!:))

Linda, that little spoon is perfect for ghee, I love that too!:)
I am planning a small Thanksgiving meal as well, will keep it simple and tasty. I will post next week. Have a good one Linda!:))

Keshi, you are a Buddhist and you will love where it all started indeed!:))
Even food seems to be so good, so you don't lose out. Happy Thanksgiving to you. I don't think you have it there Aus but I thank you for having me as a friend!:))

FH said...

Thanks MT. Baking them saves lots of calories indeed. It's better eat up fresh out of the oven, it tends to harder after it's cold. Enjoy!:))

Seena, I have never cooked any Bihari dishes either before this, loved them. Very tasty and simple too. Give them a try!:))

Nags, I know it's hard to catch up with all the events, try your best but take it easy!:))
I making something for you too next week with Cornflakes!

FH said...

We did Lakshmi. They were easy to make too, adding pickle juice is so clever!:))

Ashu, that is so great! You get the real Bihari recipes from your friend. Do try and post. I had to rely on the internet sites for the Bihari recipe. Hope you do!:))

Slog is right Purnima!!Hahaha!! Yeah, I do multitask, that helps a lot. Your comment is an award girl, thank you!:))
My eyes are 98%healed, I have one more appointment and then I am as good as new!!:)

FH said...

Thay are similar Dhana. Filling is very different and baking gives a little different taste too. But the method is the same, you can deep fry it too.Try it!:))

Sona, I am proud property of own girl, nobody dare own me! HahaHa!!
Yeah, I thought I will choose a snack, a meal and a non-veg, came out well. Enjoy!:))

Beccy, you are so right! I cook the same few most of the time even though I own many of cookbooks. Events like this makes me think, search and come up with these, so great to learn and eat too!:))
Have a great weekend.

Sia said...

its thursday and i was thinking today is wednesday and was waiting for ur post to appear in FBD. whats wrong with me!!!!
litti is what i wanted to make too but didn't feel like wasting my elbow grease;) now u have made it i can safely follow ur instructions:) what a beautiful thali ashakka. u always make me feel lazy whenever i see ur beautiful spread;) when i come to US i will make it a point to come to ur place and stay there for at least 1 month eating everything u cook. dont expect me to assist in cooking;) may be i will take pics... he he eh...

Sagari said...

hi asha littis look beautifulll

FH said...

Sia, I think you are too excited preparing to go for holiday!!:D
So, are you packed yet? When are you leaving anyway.
Littis are better fried than baked, it gets tough if you don't eat immediately.
Do you think I will let you sit and eat while I cook?! Hahaha!
Finally, we are getting Fall colors here, yay!:)

Thank you Sagari. Hope you try girl.Pickle masala really makes it delicious!:))

Lisa Johnson said...

I'm absolutely mesmerized by the picture of Bodhgaya of Bihar. It's so beautiful! I would love to visit!

FH said...

We have 5000 yrs of history Anali, you will be amazed to see the 1000yr old temples in India. Some are still in great conditions. Hope you do visit India atleast once!!:))

Namratha said...

Yay I knew you would make Litti :) Everything looks great Asha, was surely waiting for this one!

Mona said...

What a cusine! I loved the kichdi cum pulao! & the chaar yaars are a must it seems :D

The kebabs are great too!

The sattu littis are like Baatis of Dal baati from rajashthan!

FH said...

Namratha, I tried to choose some authentic Bihari dishes, glad you liked them!:))

Mona, I saw those Batis in a Rajastani book! They are very similar with different stuffing may be!:))
Chaar yaars was so cute, very appropriate too!
Have a great weekend, hugs.

sunita said...

I'm drooling over the kebabs...the littis do look like kachories indeed...and that's a cute bowl holding the pudding :-)

Sig said...

I am so out of it these days, didn't even know RCI theme was Bihar this month... Anyways I don't know anything about the cuisine... Good to know that Beef Kabobs are big there... I thought only Mallus ate Beef in India... Looks delicious... :)

Srivalli said...

Asha...everything looks so yum..you are such a dear..cooking all those stuffs..looks like its more a case of I or rather we want to move in with you!..I can't leave my poor family behind right!..:D..will you pls take us in???..pls pls pretty pls...all those dishes you won't be able to devour on your own!..Okie!

Anonymous said...

wow u can cook anything sis
litti r beautiful
baking is much better idea for sure
not sure abt the taste
kothmir chutney is obv a darling
adding mango pickle juice to brinjal is smt. new
kichdi is with moong dal in bihar
i know that
it looks great btw
spinach raita is looking good
where do u get kala namak?
kheer is beautiful too...where idd u get that bowl?
i finally made it.........
n hey happy thanksgiving in advance

FH said...

Thank you Sunita. I should have fried the Littis, tastes even better!!:)

Sig, every recipe of Bihari Kababs has Beef pasandas! I was surprised too, and double checked it before I made thses!:D
My kids love Kababs, no matter what meat you put in. Take it easy Sig, have a relaxing weekend. Events come and go.Ready for Thanksgiving?:)

FH said...

LOL! Sri, your whole family can move in. I have a three car garage!! NO!! I am just kidding!!! I love all your non-veg dishes, kids want to eat meat everyday if I make them! Enjoy. Glad you post traditional recipes, love it all! Did Latha and Lakshmi visit you already? Have fun:)

Anusha, fried gives a crunchy crust, baking makes it little chewy. I got that bowl in FL in kitchen outlet store!:D
Kala namak is available in any Indian store, I love the earthy taste,specially in Chaats, smells great too.
Happy Thanksgiving to you too, my next post will be T special, don't miss it!:))

Kribha said...

Beautiful array of food asha dear. How come you keep up with all the blog events? Will have to go thru this post again in leisure. Looks yummy as ever.

Mansi said...

Hey Asha, lovely spread as usal..I'm still trying to find something specifically Bihar, but no luck!:) look at the amount of dishes you prepare! and then you tell me how do I find time to prepare delicacies on my blog??!! they are nothing compared to yours ma'am:D

-Mansi

swapna susarla said...

U are so amazing ashaji!!khichdi looks yummy!!!

FH said...

I love cooking Kribha, these events makes me think and research. I also learn a lot about other dishes which I don't normally cook, which is the most wonderful thing! Glad you enjoyed them. Make Khichdi, it's yum!:))

No Mansi, I said how do you cook so many desserts ever so often and finish them too? It's easy to find time to make them if you love cooking!:D
For us, it takes atleast 5 days to finish a cake sometimes, even with 2 kids around!:)
There are plenty of Bihari dishes, google it.They are all really great and easy too! Hope you find something! Malpua is one of the Bihar dish too!

Swapna, thank you!:)
Kichdi was really tasty. Hope you try. Chaar Yaars are so funny, I have never heard of that before!!:D
Enjoy.

ChrisB said...

Asha each week I'm amazed at the delicious looking food you create and the lovely photos.

Manasi said...

Oh My God!!! so many dishes!!!! superwoman.. that's all!
I wanted to make Litti too! I like the baked version, have done enough deep frying for the season ;)
Must haunt my heroine for the recipe so then I have 2 versions to try!!!!

Anonymous said...

You amaze me! What a delicious looking post.

bird's eye view said...

Wow, amazed that you found Bihari dishes to post. The khichri and the litti sound good!

Kajal@aapplemint said...

my hubby came running to the pc when i said aloud Bihari kebab !!1 he simply loves them.
What u beautiful spread u have here Asha. u are truly the perfect Indian cook ! u make every state food with perfection.Its a feast for my eyes every time i visit your space, and yes i always end up hungry :P

FH said...

Thank you Chris. Even I am amazed how many dishes we we don't know about even though we are born and raised in the same country!:))

HeHe!! Thanks Manasi. Baked tastes great as long as you don't keep it for too long. Hope you try. I don't have books about Bihari cuisine, so I searched in the internet. Enjoy. Hugs to you!:))

FH said...

Thank you Kristen. I do my best to bring out the essence of each state of India and learn a lot in the process!:))

There are plenty of Bihar websites B, just don't any cookbooks to refer. Littis are yum with Achari Bharta! Hope you try!:))

Kate, glad you liked Kababs. We loved it too. So flavorful, Bihari cuisine has a touch of Bengal and Mughal cuisine, perfect combo!:))
I am learning so much about my own country's diversity, it's a joy to cook and showcase, enjoy.
Have a great weekend darling girl, hello to your hubby too!:))

Rachna said...

awww wow didnt know all these dishes exisited from bihar.... hats off to you asha

FH said...

I didn't know either! Isn't that great? Loved these, lots to learn. Enjoy Rachna, thanks and have a great weekend!:))

Daily Meals said...

Asha! Kichdi with it's chaar yaars look yummy.

Sagari said...

hi asha thanks for your information i just removed it i will post it next month hhahahah

Swaruchy said...

Great post Asha.....Loved every dish u made dear :-)) Nice Bihari thali :-)

FH said...

It tastes great Vijaya, hope you try. Have a great weekend girl!:))

YAY!! Saved you a little time Sagari! It will make a beautiful entry indeed! Hugs to you!:))

Thank you Sirisha. It was hard to choose unfamiliar Bihari dishes but made it somehow. Tasty dishes I must say!:))

Cynthia said...

Asha, you always put so much love, work and creativity into your food, including these events, makes me feel that we should pay you for the education :)

RML said...

Hello Asha ji,
Lovely Bihari dishes and good read abt Bihari cuisine.I should say you are an allrounder in cooking any cuisine.You are an inspiration to all of us.
Awesome dishes.
Madhoo

Anonymous said...

Dear Asha,

The bihari spread looks so lovely & filling.the littis look like kachoris.I have a very good bihari friend.So I have eaten some bihari dishes & your beautiful thali brings back sweet memories. Thanks Asha.

Lots of love,
Kate.

Priyanka said...

The khichuri looks tempting and the littis unique. Never knew much about the Bihari cuisine. The Diwali thali also looks yumm.

Gattina Cheung said...

Asha, you rock!!! Everything I come I'd be all ooooh-ahhhhing by your wonderful recipes! Your cilantro siezes my heart right away, too bad I can't see cilantro available at market. But your another Palak Raita sounds like a keeper, can't wait to try!

SMN said...

Hi Ashakka, How r u? Can i cm to ur place pls.. loved ur thali and rt now im on a diet coz i had Herpis.. soooooooo just cant control my aaase to eat everything.. but lovely spread f thali and liked every dish..

FH said...

Thank you Cynthia. You already paid me by your lovely comment, nothing is needed! Hugs to you sweetheart. I made a Jamaican feast too, will post when I can!:))

Thanks Madhoo. I am learning too thru' this RCI. I would never would have Littis ever but for this RCI!:)
Enjoy.

Hi Kate, good to see you girl!:)
Yeah, Littis are almost like Kachoris but with different filling, tastes great. Good that you have tasted the real Bihari dishes, I never had until now.They are all yummy!

FH said...

Thank you Priyanka. Hope you had a great Diwali too. We did okay, regular day here, not much fun!:))
Littis are great, made then for the first time too!:))

Hi Gattina. Sorry you get Cilantro there.For Indians, it's like the greatest tragedy if we don't have that everyday, feels empty!:D
Palak Raita tasty and nutritious, try it!:))

Smn, so sorry to hear that girl, take care yourself and get well soon sweetie.
I know how it feels when you are on strict diet and you can't eat what you want but wait for a while until you well.Hugs to you!:))

Swati said...

My god,what a spread ya......delicious!!!

FH said...

Thank you Swati. Your art is wayy better than mine girl. You are really good!:))
Enjoy your weekend.

Little Miss Muffet said...

surprisingly i've never thought about bihari cuisine...i guess i just refer to all the states upwards of bombay as the "north"..hehhe...but of course, each state has its own unique variety of dishes and thanks to you, i'm discovering them :) have a good thanksgiving!

Kamini said...

Asha Asha, You are such an inspiration... You make thalis for all the events? wow...Impressive. I had never heard of littis ever. They look so delicious. A must try.

FH said...

It's true M, just like all south Indians are called "Madrasis" in the North! It's not very amusing!! Bihari cuisine is s o wonderful, I really liked, hope you try Kichdi!:)
You too have a great weekend.

Kamini, thank you. I try my best. Kichdi was particularly great, very tasty. Give it a try, have a great Sunday!:))

Siri said...

A Surprise for you in my blog!

-Siri

Mallika said...

Bihari cuisine? Asha you have managed to deal with this one as well!! They seem to e getting more and more challenging... Achari baingan looks fab...

Roopa said...

wow great spread Asha!.... i don't think i can make it this time though wish i was there :)

Raaga said...

I am just asking my colleague (whose FIL is a Bhiari) for recipes!! Your spread is lovely :)

FH said...

Saw the tag Siri! Will see if I have any weird things to say!:D

I know Mallika. This was hard just like Odiya but made it!:))
Glad I got to know Bihari, learned a lot!

Roopa, try your best girl, there are few very easy Bihari dishes!:))

Good to see you Raaga!:)
Boy, you have been busy these days. Take care. Hugs.
That sounds very authentic, looking forward very genuine Bihari recipe in your blog!:))

Susan said...

Hi, Asha. I couldn't find your email address, so I am contacting you here. Gnocchi boards are available through Amazon, some of them so economical that you would spend more for postage. If you like, I can pick one up for you next time I shop for kitchen gadgets in NYC. My treat.

Amanda at Little Foodies said...

I'd love to spend a week just cooking and chatting with you. It all looks so delicious. The Litti (?) look really good as does everything else.

FH said...

Thank you for offering Susan!:)
I think I can find it in the Kitchen specialty store here because I have seen it before but didn't know what to use it for until I saw your post!;:D
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, enjoy.

Thanks Amanda!:))
Littis are almost like Kachoris, very tasty but takes a little time to make them! Enjoy the week.

Mythreyee said...

As usual, awesome recipes and pictures too.

Meera said...

What a splendid spread!! Simply amazing!

Sagari said...

hi ASHA ji if u dontmind can I ask u a small question actually ramya from "mana adige " wrote something in that foue meme i have tagged sagari what does it mean ? what I need to do and what is the use of that I think u know that I am new to this blogging I DID NOT KNOW WHAT IS THAT

Anonymous said...

Good recipes!

Bihari dishes are the least represented ones. But these are certainly yum. I like that typical red stuffed chilli pickle.

FH said...

Hi Myth, good to see you after a long time!:)
Thanks. I made your mom's Chana masala yesterday, will post tomorrow!

Thank you Meera, hope you try some of these!:))

Sagari, MeMe does have some meaning but I have no idea! Bee probably know more about it or I have to Google and see what I come with.
I always thought it's Me..Me..like it's all about "me" since we tell something about us! But I am sure it does have some other defn!:)

Kulpreet, you must have tried these for real there! It was very unfamiliar to me. I loved each and every every dish, so simple and delicious!:)
Happy Thanksgiving.

By Deepa and Supriya said...

sorry I am a li'l late but Vow!!..I had never even heard about litti. Palak raitha?/ rest assured it will be done this week and the presentation looks sooper cool as usual! I am off on a short break will be back soon!

Sagari said...

thanks asha

FH said...

Thanks Orchid. Enjoy your break, I will be off too from Thursday, looong weekend huh?:))

You are welcome Sagari, I will let you know if I get the meaning!:)

Viji said...

Asha, felt like went to Bihar for a while. As usual very informative post. Diwali special is lovely. Hope you had a nice time. Viji

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful spread Asha.Looking at the lovely pictures, makes me hungry again :)
Pearlin

Anonymous said...

Bihari thali is yum Asha. Last weekend I made naans from your blog.but could not take pics.Just wanted to let you know that they came out good.

FH said...

God to see you back Viji.Yes, Diwali was good. Glad you enjoyed the Bihari dishes,they are great!:))

Thanks P!:)
We enjoyed the Bihari cuisine too. Enjoy.

Thanks Madhavi. Gla dyou tried the Naan and enjoyed it. Happy Thanksgiving!:)

Chickoo said...

Ashakka,
You never fail to surprise me!! Awesome spread as usual, chutney dal andre powder andre kadale hittina pudeena athva is it hurikadale pudi? Or kadale bele huridu madiro pudee na? I am a little confused, nanu yake istu prashne keltha iddeeni andre nimma recipes ella try mado ondu kaathura adikke.

Divya and Chaya said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Divya and Chaya said...

Asha, Great spread here- tell us the secret behind u'r energy? Happy thanksgiving to you and your family!!

FH said...

Chickoo, it's hurikadale pudi.Swalpa bisi madi, aarisi pudi madabeku. I don't know the proper name for that in English bcos they say as Dalia or roasted chan dal and chutney dal too!:D
Try it, better fry it, baking makes the cover little chewy!:)

Thanks Dee and Dee, you too have a great Thanksgiving!:))
No secret, I am just type A personality!!Hahaha!!

Anamika:The Sugarcrafter said...

dear asha
you evoked memories of home. Litti, besan ka sabji etc. Currently living in Botswana and have made litti, besan ka sabji etc to let others know of them. Now i am doing some sugarcraft work. If have time, do visit my blog site. Search on google for sugarcraft will point towards 'the sugarcrafter' (http://sugarcraft-india.blogspot.com)

FH said...

Anamika, I enjoyed cooking Bihar cuisine. This RCI event is great, we get to learn so many things about other states!:))
I will check your site but later,I am on break now.Have a great weekend there!:))

Anamika:The Sugarcrafter said...

Thanks ASHA for visiting my blog site and leaving encouraging words. It helps one to do more. I like your website and I must say, i have to learn new recipes from you and make them here in Botswana. Lets keep in touch to share our experiences on food.Hey, its a thanksgiving month here as well and we celebrate christmas in summer here ! I love your thoughts behind thanksgiving...

FH said...

You are welcome Anamika. It must be so different living in Botswana.Christmas in Summer does sound different, we always associate it with cold and snow!:D
Of course we will keep in touch. I will start blogging again from 19th,see you then!:))

megha said...

hi Asha....m a bihari girl residing in mumbai, just i wanna clear the doubt of people that do bihari eat beef???...then no dear they dont eat, there is bihari kabab but they are made by goat meat not the beef...bihari r very religious in nature and hardcore hindu, they consider cow as their mother , they cant even think 2 try th beef. ya definately some of our muslim brothers used to eat but not any hindu.
just 4 knowledge there are many bihari dishes like malpua, balushai , khaja, parwal ki mithai, lavang lata n many more.I know bihari food are not very popular but they are very unique, healthy and tasty just ve a try and enjoy their taste.
regards!!!
Megha.

FH said...

Megha, thanks for wonderful info, always appreciate it and it's a great way to learn about other cuisine as well. I was suspecting that too that Beef may not a regular choice for most Indian non-vegetarians but followed the website recipe which tasted delicious. Love the cuisine of Bihar, so flavorful! :)