Copyright timesnownews
As Bihar goes into its 2025 Assembly Elections, the state is abuzz with political energy, slogans, rallies, and promises. But amidst the loudspeakers and the contesting speeches, there is a whole other side of Bihar that equally deserves attention—the food of the region. Rich, rustic, full of character, and a true melting pot of flavors, Bihari cuisine is shaped by centuries of tradition, community, and celebration. Food in Bihar is not just a subsistence thing; rather, it's about identity—from roadside 'litti chokha' stalls to homes fragrant with the aroma of 'sattu parathas.' While politicians are busy cooking up manifestos, why not cook up a slice of Bihar in your kitchen? Here's a culinary campaign of your own—six easy Bihari recipes that bring the state's spirit right to your plate. 1. Litti Chokha – The Pride of Bihar If Bihar had to choose one dish to represent itself on the global food map, it would undoubtedly be Litti Chokha. These smoky, ghee-drizzled wheat balls stuffed with spiced gram flour (sattu) are roasted over an open flame (or oven, if you’re city-bound). They’re served with chokha — a mashed medley of roasted brinjals, tomatoes, and potatoes. Fun fact: Legend has it that litti chokha was the preferred meal of warriors in ancient Bihar because it required no utensils and could be cooked over an open fire during long journeys. Quick recipe: Mix whole wheat flour with salt and ghee. For the filling, combine sattu (roasted gram flour) with garlic, green chilli, lemon juice, and ajwain. Stuff and shape into balls. Bake or air-fry until golden brown. Serve with chokha — roasted brinjal, tomato, and boiled potato mashed with mustard oil, garlic, and coriander. 2. Sattu Paratha – The Protein-Packed Powerhouse A Bihari breakfast isn’t complete without sattu paratha. This humble flatbread stuffed with roasted gram flour, spices, and herbs is both hearty and healthy. Sattu is often called the “poor man’s protein” — though honestly, it deserves a Michelin star for versatility. Quick recipe: Prepare dough using whole wheat flour. Mix sattu with finely chopped onions, coriander, green chillies, and lemon juice. Stuff and roll into parathas. Cook on a hot tawa with ghee until crispy.Pair it with curd or pickle for the ultimate Bihari breakfast. 3. Thekua – The Sweet Symbol of Chhath Puja Move over, biscuits — Bihar’s thekua is the real tea-time hero.These golden, crispy cookies are made of wheat flour, jaggery, and coconut, deep-fried to perfection. Thekua is an integral part of Chhath Puja, a festival dedicated to the Sun God, celebrated with immense devotion across Bihar. Quick recipe: Combine wheat flour, grated coconut, fennel seeds, and melted jaggery syrup. Shape into small discs and fry until golden. The result? Crunchy on the outside, soft within, and beautifully fragrant. Fun fact: Bihari homes often compete over whose thekua holds shape the longest — a matter of immense culinary pride! 4. Khaja – The Sweet That Travelled to the Gods Bihar’s khaja is a crispy, layered sweet often compared to puff pastry — only it’s far more indulgent. Made by layering dough, deep-frying, and soaking in sugar syrup, this centuries-old delicacy is believed to have originated in Silao, near Nalanda. Quick recipe: Mix flour, ghee, and water to form dough. Roll thin, fold multiple times, and fry until crisp. Dip in sugar syrup and let it set. Fun fact: Silao Khaja has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag — meaning only khaja made there can officially bear the name. It’s the Bihari version of Champagne! 5. Dal Pitha – Bihar’s Answer to Dim Sum Meet Dal Pitha, Bihar’s lesser-known culinary gem that resembles steamed dumplings. Stuffed with spicy lentil paste and steamed to perfection, these little parcels are both wholesome and light. Quick recipe: Prepare rice flour dough. Make a filling with soaked chana dal, garlic, ginger, and cumin. Fill, shape, and steam for 10–12 minutes. Enjoy them with tomato chutney or ghee drizzle. They’re perfect for guilt-free snacking! Fun fact: Many Biharis believe that eating pitha brings prosperity — making it a must during harvest festivals like Makar Sankranti. 6. Bihari Style Mutton Curry – The Weekend Favourite No Bihari feast is complete without Bihari-style mutton curry. It’s fiery, rich, and unapologetically bold — much like the state’s politics. Cooked slowly in mustard oil with ground spices, it’s best enjoyed with plain rice or parboiled rice (usna chawal). Quick recipe: Marinate mutton in mustard oil, curd, onion, ginger-garlic paste, and ground spices. Cook on low heat until tender and the oil separates. Garnish with coriander and serve hot. Fun fact: In Bihar, mutton curry Sundays are a tradition — no matter what’s happening in politics, this dish unites everyone at the dining table. The Real Taste of Bihar Bihari cuisine isn’t fancy or flamboyant. It’s soulful, seasonal, and deeply rooted in the land’s agricultural traditions. From the earthy flavours of litti chokha to the festive sweetness of thekua, every dish tells a story — of resilience, simplicity, and pride. So, as Bihar votes in 2025, let your kitchen cast its own vote — for spice, soul, and everything nice. Whip up these recipes, and you’ll find that discovering Bihar doesn’t always need a travel ticket — just a good appetite and a pinch of curiosity. Because in Bihar, rasoi (kitchen) and rajneeti (politics) both thrive on one rule — the right mix makes all the difference.
