Bihari Pittha Stuffed Steamed Rice Cake

Method

1. 1

   Make the chana dal filling: Cook soaked chana dal in a pressure cooker for 2 whistles until soft but not fully mashed. Drain excess water. Mash lightly with a spoon. Mix with grated jaggery, cardamom powder and coconut if using. Cook in a pan on low heat stirring for 4 minutes until the jaggery melts and the mixture comes together. Cool completely.

2. 2

   Make parboiled rice flour dough: Place rice flour and salt in a bowl. Pour hot water gradually while mixing with a fork. Once cool enough to handle, knead for 3 minutes until smooth and pliable. The hot water technique partially cooks the flour making it easy to shape.

3. 3

   Divide both filling and dough: Divide dough into 10 portions. Divide filling into 10 portions.

4. 4

   Shape the pittha: Take one dough portion. Press flat in your palm into a disc about 8 cm wide. Place filling in the centre. Bring edges upward and seal tightly. Roll into a smooth cylinder about 6 to 7 cm long — the cylinder shape is the Bihar pittha signature distinguishing it from the round Odia version.

5. 5

   Smooth the surface: Ensure the outer surface is smooth with no cracks. Any crack will let the filling escape during steaming.

6. 6

   Prepare the steamer: Fill a steamer with water. Bring to a full boil. Line the steamer tray with banana leaf pieces or a damp muslin cloth.

7. 7

   Steam for 15 minutes: Place the shaped pittha in a single layer. Cover and steam on medium-high heat for 15 minutes.

8. 8

   Check if cooked: The rice flour surface should turn slightly translucent and shiny when done. Press one gently — it should feel firm throughout.

9. 9

   Cool 5 minutes: Remove from steamer. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

10. 10

    Serve: Serve warm. The pittha can also be shallow-fried in ghee after steaming for a crispy exterior — this version is called tala pittha.

11. 11

    Note: Pittha is one of the most sacred food offerings of Chhath Puja — the sun-worship festival of Bihar that is among the most strictly observed festivals in India. Chhath Puja devotees observe a 36-hour fast and the pittha, thekua and other preparations are made as offerings to the sun god. The pittha is shaped into cylinders to represent the rays of the sun. Chhath Puja is Bihar's most important festival and is now observed by Bihari communities across the world.