Diversity of Indian Food - Odisha

Indian cuisine differs from state to state, and each has its popular dishes. The best way to explore the food variety of each place is by trying their Thali (Meal). Thali is nothing but the three-course meal served all together on a platter, i.e. starter, main course & dessert. Everything one sees on the plate will be from that particular state, and most of the dishes will be famous for their unique taste, flavour & texture.

Odisha is known as the sports capital of India, but it never failed to shine when it comes to food. As it is one of the Dham out of four (pilgrimage site- the Jagannath Temple, Puri), the food traditions are more balanced between veg and non-veg, and a majority of the people prefer to have both. The Jagannath Temple has a significant influence on the food culture of the state, most of the vegetarian dishes prepared across; follow the same preparation process, which the temple follows. When it comes to street food, one will have ample options available. When the world is running away from carbohydrates, in the name of health & fitness, Odisha's staple food is white rice. Even those are fitness conscious like to include it in their diet.

Popular vegetarian main dishes like Ghanta, Santula, Dalma, Saga etc. are prepared using minimum spices & less oil. The simple cooking adds authentic taste to them, and as all the ingredients used in these dishes are organic, so they are called as nutrient-rich food and included in the everyday meal. But there are many other dishes which are spicy & flavourful, as a lot of whole spices and spice mixture (masala) used for cooking these dishes. Odisha's Thali is incomplete without dessert in it, and milk is the key ingredient in most of the desserts. Most sweet dishes will have the same ingredients, but texture and taste will differ because of the preparation process.

Odisha has a wide range of dishes like any other state, but it has some distinct items like Dalma, Ghanta, Santula, Chenna Poda, Dahi Baigan, Alu Potala Rasa etc. Even in these modern times, maximum Odia people like to stick to their roots when it comes to eating habits but always excited for trying new cuisines. Since months I was planning for Odia Thali, and every time for some reason, it got delayed. Even the menu kept changing whenever I used to plan or start listing the items, as Odisha offers a wide variety of vegetarian & non-vegetarian food. But finally, I managed to prepare food for Odia Thali and included popular Odia dishes like Pakhala Bhata, Mutton Kasa, Aloo Bhaja, Santula, Bhindi Poda, Dahi Baigana & Kheer. These names may not be familiar with people who are not from Odisha, but as food has no language or barrier, one should always keep trying different cuisines.

For Reference

Pakhala Bhata - Rice with water

Mutton Kasa- Mutton Curry

Aloo Bhaja - Potato fries

Santula - Mix vegetables boiled with milk or water

Bhindi Poda - Okra/Bhindi burnt on a fire

Dahi Baigan- Brinjal/Eggplant fried & dipped in tempering curd

Ghanta - Mix Veg

Dalma -Lentils with Vegetables

Saga - Green Leaves fry

Chenna Poda - Dessert prepared with cottage cheese

Alu Potala Rasa – Potato & Pointed Gourd cooked with spices