India > Odia > Desserts

Manda Pitha with Dates and Nuts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of melted ghee
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of warm water
- 1/2 cup of dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup of mixed nuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup of ghee, for frying

Special Equipment Needed:
- Rolling pin
- Frying pan

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, ghee, and salt.
2. Gradually add the warm water and mix until a soft dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5 minutes until it is smooth and pliable.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 10 minutes.
5. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions.
6. Roll each portion into a thin circle.
7. Place a tablespoon of the chopped dates and nuts in the center of each circle.
8. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together to seal.
9. Heat the ghee in a frying pan over medium heat.
10. Fry the pithas until they are golden brown on both sides.
11. Remove the pithas from the pan and drain on paper towels.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Temperature: Medium heat
Serving Size: 8 pithas

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 250
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Coconut oil can be used in place of ghee.
- Raisins or dried cranberries can be used in place of dates.
- Almonds, walnuts, or pecans can be used in place of mixed nuts.

Variations:
- The filling can be changed to include different fruits, nuts, and spices.
- The pithas can be served with a variety of sauces or chutneys.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to roll the dough as thin as possible for the best results.
- Be careful not to overfill the pithas or they will be difficult to seal.

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 a toaster oven or in a pan over medium heat.

Presentation Ideas:
The pithas can be served with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey.

Garnishes:
The pithas can be garnished with chopped nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pairings:
The pithas can be served with a cup of chai or a glass of cold milk.

Suggested Side Dishes:
The pithas can be served with a side of fresh fruit or a salad.

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the pithas are not sealing properly, try wetting the edges of the dough before pinching them together.
- If the pithas are burning, reduce the heat and cook them for a shorter amount of time.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands before handling the dough.
- Make sure to cook the pithas thoroughly before eating.

Food History:
Manda pitha is a traditional Indian sweet dish that is usually served during festivals and special occasions. It is believed to have originated in the state of Odisha.

Flavor Profiles:
The pithas have a sweet and nutty flavor from the dates and nuts, and a rich and buttery flavor from the ghee.

Serving Suggestions:
The pithas can be served as a snack or as a dessert.

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Region: Bangladeshi

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Savory, Spicy, Aromatic