We're all familiar with Assam's tea fame; and Masala Chai, infused with ginger, cardamom, and cinnamon, steals the show during Bihu!
Assam really lights up during Bihu – it's the heart of the state's food scene! Families gather to celebrate the Assamese New Year with delicious dishes. The excitement is palpable with new leaves and blooming flowers everywhere! People dress up for husori with music in the air. And the local markets? They're a foodie's dream!
So, if you want to impress your loved ones this Bihu, we've got some easy and tasty recipes for you to try at home!
Assamese cuisine without mentioning Khar? Impossible! And during Bihu, Omitar Khar steals the show. It's a traditional festival delight made with papaya and potatoes, and guess what? It's a breeze to make! Papaya, known for its low cholesterol, takes center stage, spiced up for that extra flavor punch. It's a dish you won't want to miss during the festivities!
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Pitha, a rice-flour-based fritter, holds a special place in Bihu celebrations. This versatile snack can be sweet or savory, coming in various shapes and sizes to enhance the festive spirit. During Bihu, Assamese households buzz with activity as they prepare a variety of pithas like til pitha, narikol pitha, and ghila pitha. Til pitha, featuring sesame seeds, rice flour, and jaggery, is a sweet delicacy considered auspicious for the occasion. Narikol pitha, crafted with grated coconut and rice flour, pairs wonderfully with tangy tomato chutney, making it a delightful teatime treat. And let's not forget ghila pitha, a pancake-like delicacy enjoyed with a generous serving of ghee—it's simply irresistible!
Jalpan is like a wholesome Assamese snack spread that's all about simplicity and goodness. It's got chira, muri, akhoi, hurum, pitha-guri, sandoh-guri, komal-chaul, gur, doi, and milk—all without any fancy spices or salt. Whether you munch on them solo or mix them up, they're not just tasty but also packed with nutrition. And here's the best part – none of these goodies are fried or cooked in oil, except for a couple like ghila-pitha and malpua-pitha. And if you pair it with a ripe banana, like a bheem-kol or honda-kol, the flavors go off the charts!
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Jolphai Gurir Chutney is a special Assamese treat, especially popular during Bihu celebrations. It's made with olives, jaggery, and mustard oil, giving it a unique taste that's loved by many. Not everyone knows that olives are grown in India, particularly in the wild areas of Assam. This chutney is typically enjoyed with puris or parathas, making it a tasty addition to any meal.
In traditional Assamese society, 'Poka Mithoi' was originally reserved for Janmashtami celebrations. However, nowadays, it has found its way into the Bihu festival as well. Similar to Narikolor Laru, Poka Mithoi is a type of laddu. The key difference lies in its ingredients - rice flour replaces coconut, and jaggery replaces sugar. These delightful balls are soft, chewy, and offer a rich caramel-like flavor. After mixing rice powder with jaggery syrup, they're shaped into small balls and steamed to perfection. It's a simple yet cherished treat that has become synonymous with Bihu festivities!
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During Bihu, lighting the meji, a bamboo and wood bonfire, marks the end of the harvest season. People sing Bihu songs and offer pithas, fruits, and veggies to the flames as a tribute to the gods. It's a vibrant celebration of Assam's culture, filled with music, traditions, and delicious treats.
