Desserts : Pitha - How to prepare this tasty & traditional Bangladeshi dessert

  

Pitha is a traditional Bangladeshi dessert typically made during festivals like Pohela Boishakh. Here's a basic recipe for making Pitha:

Ingredients:

- 1 cup rice flour

- 1/2 cup grated coconut

- 1/2 cup jaggery (or sugar) 

- 1/4 cup water

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- Oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the filling. In a pan, combine grated coconut and jaggery (or sugar). Cook over medium heat until the jaggery melts and the mixture becomes sticky. Set aside to cool.

2. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt to the boiling water.

3. Gradually add rice flour to the boiling water, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the rice flour mixture until it forms a smooth dough-like consistency.

4. Once the dough is ready, take a small portion and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the coconut-jaggery mixture in the center of the flattened dough.

5. Fold the edges of the dough over the filling, shaping it into a small round or oval shape. Make sure the filling is completely enclosed within the dough.

6. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Carefully place the shaped Pitha into the hot oil.

7. Fry the Pitha until they turn golden brown on all sides, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

8. Once done, remove the fried Pitha from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

9. Allow the Pitha to cool slightly before serving.

10. Enjoy your delicious homemade Pitha as a sweet treat or snack!

Feel free to adjust the sweetness level according to your preference by adding more or less jaggery/sugar. You can also experiment with different fillings such as sesame seeds or grated palm sugar for variation.