This Christmas, Skip Cakes and Try Finger-Licking Chicken Pitha!

By A Staff Reporter : 

Winter in Bengal is synonymous with Christmas festivities, warm nolen gur (date palm jaggery), and a variety of pithas (traditional rice cakes). While sweet treats like patisapta and puli pitha dominate most tables, there’s an exciting savory twist you can add to your celebrations—Chicken Pitha. This mouthwatering dish combines the charm of pitha with the flavors of spicy chicken filling, making it a unique winter delicacy.

Ingredients :

For the dough:

200 grams flour

50 grams rice powder

2 tablespoons semolina

1 pinch salt

1 teaspoon white oil

Lukewarm water for kneading

For the filling:

1 cup minced chicken

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon onion paste

1 tablespoon garlic-green chili paste

1/2 teaspoon dried chili powder

1 pinch black pepper powder

1/4 teaspoon garam masala powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves

2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves

Salt to taste

2 tablespoons mustard oil for frying

Recipe :

1. Prepare the Filling: Heat mustard oil in a pan and fry the chopped onions until golden. Add onion paste, garlic-green chili paste, and all the spices. Stir well. Add the minced chicken and a pinch of salt. Pour in a little water, cover, and cook until the chicken is dry and flavorful. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. Make the Dough: In a bowl, mix flour, rice powder, semolina, and salt. Gradually add lukewarm water and knead into a smooth dough. Grease the dough with a bit of white oil and cover for 15 minutes.

3. Assemble the Pitha: Take small portions of the dough and roll them into flat discs. Place a spoonful of the chicken filling in the center, fold the sides, and seal tightly to form a pitha shape.

4. Fry the Pithas: Deep fry the pithas in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.

Serve hot, and watch as everyone licks their fingers in delight! This Chicken Pitha is a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, making it a must-try for your Christmas celebrations this year.