Bihar’s sesame and jaggery-based treats warm the heart and body

Patna: During winter, food often tastes better due to a combination of physiological and environmental factors. The colder weather stimulates appetite, encouraging the body to seek warm and nutrient-rich meals for energy and comfort. Bihar, renowned for its diverse culinary heritage, offers a wide array of delectable delicacies.
Among these, the humble sesame (til) and jaggery (gur) take center stage, forming the base for a variety of delicious food items that not only satisfy the palate but also provide warmth to the body.The streets and markets come alive with makeshift shops, each offering an assortment of delicacies, from the crunchy ‘tilkut' and ‘laktho' to the rustic charm of ‘tilua'.
Ravi Shankar Upadhyay, a researcher of Bihar's traditional foods and author of a book on the subject, highlights the state's vast variety of culinary offerings. According to him, most of these delicacies reflect Bihar's rich cultural history and its agrarian roots. "The revered ancient scholar Panini mentioned ‘pitha', referred to as ‘pishtak' in Sanskrit, in his work 'Ashtadhyayi'. This delicacy is a staple in every household in the state. Being an agriculture-rich land, rice is often the first harvest of the season, and there is nothing more tempting than hot ‘pitha' to celebrate and enjoy on ‘Poush ki raat'," he says.
Expounding on the cultural significance of these foods, he says: "Rice flour ‘laddoos', known as ‘ladua', are offered to ancestors during Pindaan in Gaya, where the place is also famous for ‘anarsa', a similar delicacy. Additionally, the noted author Patanjali has mentioned ‘palal', made by pounding sesame, in his writings, and the process he described closely resembles the preparation of ‘tilkut' today."
Til-based food: ‘Tilkut', made with jaggery or sugar, is a favourite among both locals and visitors to the state. Other sesame-based treats include ‘tilua' and ‘tilpatti'. Those visiting Bihar during this season, never miss to take these delicacies to their state.
Pitha: The star of winter delicacies, ‘pitha', is made from rice flour dumplings and comes in a variety of forms, from the simple, plain versions to those stuffed with jaggery, ‘khoya' (solidified milk), lentils (dal), or even mashed potatoes. The aroma of freshly steamed ‘pithas' wafting through the air is enough to make anyone's mouth water.
Green gram delights: Dishes prepared from green gram (hara chana) are a seasonal treat eagerly awaited during the winter. Whether eaten raw or used in dishes like ‘ghughni', ‘bhabhra', or ‘hara chana ka bachka', the versatility of green gram is celebrated. It's even used in making sweets such as ‘barfi' and ‘halwa'.
Varieties of laddoos: Winter in Bihar offers a range of ‘laddoos', each bite celebrating seasonal bounty and culinary tradition. Among these, the ‘teesi' or flaxseed ‘laddoo' stands out for its nutritional value and body warming properties. Flaxseeds, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants, are a staple in rural households. Other popular varieties include ‘ramdana laddoo', ‘gond ke laddoo' and ‘mahua laddoo'.
Food items made with sattu: Sattu (roasted gram flour) is a versatile ingredient and an all-season favourite, known for enhancing the flavour of various dishes. Popular dishes like ‘sattu ka paratha' and ‘litti' are particularly cherished in winter. The warmth of freshly prepared ‘sattu ka parathas' or ‘litti', served with ‘chokha', makes them perfect for chilly weather. Winter also sees holding of ‘litti' parties, where friends and families come together to prepare and enjoy ‘litti-chokha', creating cherished moments of warmth and togetherness.
Bihari kebabs and nihari: For non-vegetarian lovers, winter is a delightful time, as the chilly weather perfectly complements the savoury flavours of ‘kebabs' and ‘nihari'. The aroma of spice-marinated meat sizzling over charcoal tantalises the senses, while the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture of ‘kebabs' and the hearty warmth of ‘nihari' offer a delicious escape from the cold. These dishes embody the rich culinary traditions of Bihar and are a wintertime favourite.