India > Bengali > Desserts

Chitoi Pitha with Coconut-Jaggery Filling Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of rice flour
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of grated coconut
- 1/2 cup of jaggery
- 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons of ghee
- 2 tablespoons of oil

Special Equipment Needed:
- A steamer
- A bowl
- A rolling pin
- A grater
- A skillet

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the rice flour and water until it forms a smooth dough.
2. Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into thin circles.
3. Heat the ghee and oil in a skillet over medium heat.
4. Place the rolled out circles in the skillet and cook until lightly golden brown.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the grated coconut, jaggery, and cardamom powder.
6. Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery mixture in the center of each circle.
7. Fold the circles in half and press the edges together to seal.
8. Place the pithas in a steamer and steam for 10 minutes.

Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 8 pithas

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Protein: 2 g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Coconut: Almond flour or peanut butter
- Jaggery: Brown sugar or honey
- Ghee: Butter or vegetable oil

Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or raisins to the filling for added flavor and texture.
- Use different types of flours such as wheat flour or millet flour to make the pithas.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to roll out the dough circles as thin as possible for a crispier pitha.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more rice flour.
- If the filling is too dry, add a little more jaggery or honey.

Storage Instructions:
The pithas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The pithas can be reheated in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the pithas on a plate with a dollop of ghee or butter.
- Garnish with chopped nuts or raisins.

Garnishes:
- Chopped nuts
- Raisins
- Coconut flakes

Pairings:
- Tea or coffee
- Milk or yogurt

Suggested Side Dishes:
- A salad
- A vegetable dish
- A lentil dish

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pithas are too dry, add a little more water to the dough.
- If the pithas are too greasy, reduce the amount of ghee and oil used.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the pithas thoroughly before consuming.
- Store the pithas in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Food History:
Chitoi pitha is a traditional Bengali sweet dish that is usually made during festivals and special occasions. It is believed to have originated in the region of Bengal in India.

Flavor Profiles:
The pithas have a sweet and nutty flavor from the coconut-jaggery filling, and a light and crispy texture from the rice flour dough.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the pithas as a dessert or snack.
- Serve with tea or coffee.

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Region: Bangladeshi

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Savory, Aromatic, Spicy