Baleswar, located in the eastern state of Odisha, India, is known for its rich culture and heritage. It is a city full of history and tradition, which has resulted in some interesting and delicious cuisine.
The famous food of Baleswar is an amalgamation of Indian and Bengali cuisines. One can find a variety of mouth-watering dishes that are unique to this region.
Dalma is one of the most popular dishes in Baleswar. It is a lentil curry cooked with vegetables like potatoes, brinjal, pumpkin and drumsticks.
This dish is usually served with steamed rice or roti (flatbread). It has a unique flavor that comes from the use of local spices like cumin, coriander powder, turmeric powder and garam masala.
Pakhala is another dish that has become synonymous with Baleswar. It is prepared by soaking rice overnight in water mixed with yogurt or buttermilk.
The dish becomes sour over time due to the fermentation process. Pakhala can be served either as a main course or as a side dish to accompany other dishes like dalma.
Ghugni is a spicy chickpea curry popular in Baleswar. The chickpeas are boiled until tender and then cooked with onion, garlic, ginger and other spices like cumin powder and garam masala. Ghugni can be eaten with steamed rice or roti.
Chhena Poda, meaning ‘burnt cheese’ in Odia language, is one of the most famous desserts from Baleswar. It is made by baking cottage cheese sweetened with sugar and flavored with cardamom powder or saffron strands until it turns golden brown on top. Chhena poda can be served hot or cold.
Conclusion:
Baleswar’s cuisine offers an array of delicious dishes that are unique to this region. Famous foods include dalma, pakhala, ghugni and chhena poda – all of which have distinct flavors from the use of local spices. These dishes have become synonymous with Baleswar’s rich culture and heritage.