This harvest festival of Assam is indeed a grand celebration. With folk songs, dancing and festive cooking, it is also regarded as the first day of the Assamese New Year. Here are some traditional dishes cooked especially for the festival together with their health benefits.
Til Pitha
You cannot think of Bihu without loads of til pitha.This traditional dish is a cylindrically shaped dessert that’s stuffed with til (sesame) and sometimes with coconut too. One bite of it and it will leave craving more.
Expert tips:
Owing to their high fat content, sesame seeds are a good source of energy. They contain he polyunsaturated fatty acids and Omega-6 which are good for the body.They also contain fiber, iron, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus that helps boost energy levels
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Glutinous Rice
- 100 gm Jaggery
- 80 gm Black Sesame Seeds
- 4 cups Water
Preparation Method:
- Soak the rice overnight in water.
- Drain excess water and grind it carefully.
- Roast sesame seeds and pound them to remove their outer shell.
- Cut Jaggery into small chips and combine the sesame seeds with it.
- Heat the griddle and spread the rice batter over it to the size of Puri with the help of a ladle.
- While it is being roasted, put the stuffing of jaggery and sesame mixture in its middle.
- As and when the rice batter gets firm, fold its sides to cover the stuffing.
- Turn it over and heat lightly before taking it off from the fire. Ensure that jaggery doesn't melt and flow out.
- Til Pitha is ready to eat.
Xaak
This dish is a combination of all that is green including herbs, greens and leafy vegetables, simply cooked in water and salt. Different types of Xaak (leafy vegetables) have always been a part of the authentic Assamese cuisine. Dhekia Xaak, the edible Fiddlehead Fern is popular in Assam and the whole of North-East. People love to cook this Xaak in different ways and here’s one such favourite, Dhekia Xaak. Read on for the recipe and health benefits (link to blog)
Health benefits: Green leafy veggies, rich in fibre are no doubt good for the body. The style of cooking helps retain the nutrients of the ingredients making the meal a wholesome, healthy and tasty.
Ingredients:
- 3 Bunches of Dhekia xaak
- 4 Green Chilly
- 2 Duck eggs(optional)
- Garlic pod
- Mustard oil
- Salt
Preparation Method:
- At first, you need to wash and chop the xaak. Ensure you pick the tender stems only.
- Fry the crushed garlic pod in oil and then add the xaak and chilly.
- Add salt and stir fry.
- When the xaak is tender, add the eggs.
- When the egg gets blended well with the xaak, remove from heat.
- Serve with rice.
Try these of dishes that are tasty and healthy too. If you are in need of any health essentials just hop on to Netmeds to shop.
