Rice,
both sun dried and par-boiled, is the staple food of the people of
Orissa. However, in the urban areas, there is a shift in the eating
patterns and people are turning towards chapati (wheat bread), as an
alternative to rice. The sun-dried rice is usually cooked at the festive
occasions. Oriya people also like to consume pakhal, which is basically
cooked rice soaked in water, overnight. Typical desserts consist of
Chhenapoda, Rasabali (milk preparation), Chhenajhilli and Pitha (cakes).Majority of the people of Orissa, a coastal state in India, are non-vegetarian and fish forms an integral part of their traditional cuisine. A distinctive cooking style is followed in the preparation of the dishes. Mouthwatering curries are cooked using different vegetables. Main course consists of rice or chapatti, along with dal, bhaji, bharta (mixed vegetable curry), ambila/sakara (sweet and sour preparation) and dessert. All these eatables are placed on a plate, made from bell metal.
Rice, Breads and Lentils
