Bihari cuisine

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Bihari cuisine refers to the traditional food and cooking styles native to the Bihar region of India. It is known for its unique flavors, which are a blend of spices and ingredients that reflect the cultural diversity of the region.

Staple Foods

The staple foods of Bihari cuisine include rice, wheat, and lentils. These are often accompanied by a variety of vegetables and meat dishes.

Popular Dishes

Some of the most popular dishes in Bihari cuisine are:

• Litti Chokha: A traditional dish made from wheat flour dough balls stuffed with roasted gram flour and spices, served with mashed vegetables.
• Sattu: Roasted gram flour used in various dishes, including drinks and stuffed parathas.
• Dal Pitha: Dumplings made from rice flour and stuffed with spiced lentil paste.
• Chana Ghugni: A spicy chickpea curry often served as a snack or side dish.
• Thekua: A sweet snack made from wheat flour, jaggery, and coconut, often prepared during festivals.

Spices and Ingredients

Bihari cuisine uses a variety of spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of its dishes. Commonly used spices include cumin, mustard seeds, fenugreek, fennel, and nigella seeds. Mustard oil is frequently used for cooking.

Festivals and Cuisine

Bihari cuisine is closely associated with various festivals and celebrations. During Chhath Puja, special dishes like Thekua and Kasar are prepared. Holi is celebrated with gujiya and dahi vada.

Beverages

Traditional beverages in Bihari cuisine include lassi, sattu drink, and tamarind water.

Influence and Spread

Bihari cuisine has influenced and been influenced by neighboring regions such as Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. The migration of Bihari people to other parts of India and the world has also helped spread the cuisine.

See Also

• Indian cuisine
• Cuisine of Uttar Pradesh
• Cuisine of Bengal
• Nepalese cuisine