Winter in my country brings with it a delightful array of traditional foods, and one that holds a special place in my heart is the Steamed Rice Flour Cake, known locally as "pitha." This delectable treat is a cherished part of our culinary heritage, and with the onset of winter, it becomes a staple in many households.
In this post, I'll take you through my recent experiment with a new variation of this classic dish, inspired by a recipe I stumbled upon on YouTube.
Let's see!
Ingredients:
To embark on this culinary journey, gather the following simple ingredients:
2 cups of rice flour
1 cup of jaggery
1/2 cup of liquid milk
1/2 cup of shredded coconut
A pinch of salt
Preparation:
Rice Flour
Jaggery
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delightful winter delicacy.
Begin by mixing the jaggery with the rice flour. The mixture may appear lumpy at first, but that's perfectly normal. Gradually incorporate the liquid milk to achieve a texture that is half smooth and half lumpy.
Next, add the shredded coconut to the mixture. Now, it's time to shape the dough. You can form round balls or flatten the dough into cakes.
In the photos, you'll see the use of a mug lid for a consistent shape, but feel free to use any mold or cookie cutter of your choice.
Steaming Process:
Prepare your steamer, ensuring it's ready to go, as the steaming process is quick. Place the cakes on the steamer, and to prevent them from absorbing excess water, consider using a cotton towel as a base.
Final look after steaming
Steam the cakes for approximately 30 minutes. Once done, remove them from the steamer.
Optional Baking Step:
For those seeking a unique twist, an optional baking step can be added. This involves baking the steamed cakes in a gas oven to achieve a crunchy outer texture.
While this step is entirely optional, it introduces a delightful contrast to the chewy interior. Some prefer the original steamed version, while others enjoy the added crunchiness from the baking step.
The resulting pitha/cake boasts a delightful combination of flavors. The jaggery adds a natural sweetness, while the shredded coconut infuses the cakes with freshness.
The texture is a bit hard and chewy, creating a unique eating experience. While the taste may not be overly extravagant, it's the simplicity and authenticity of the ingredients that make this dish a winter favorite.
The steamed Rice Flour Cake is not just a culinary delight but a journey into tradition and culture. As winter winds bring a chill to the air, the warmth of such traditional treats provides comfort and nostalgia.
So, why not embark on your culinary adventure and try your hand at making this delightful winter delicacy? You might discover, as I did, that the freshness of jaggery and coconut creates a pitha that is both simple and sensational.
Enjoy the winter festivities and the joys of homemade delicacies!
