By Team OFT
In Odia homes, at the break of dawn, the pious call of conch shells, rhythmic chants invoking the divine and the gentle tinkle of temple bells combine seamlessly with the echoes of the past carried forward through generations. Together, they herald the start of a new day enveloped in tradition.
As the day progresses, the sizzling sound of the batter meeting the griddle joins this ensemble, signalling the continuation of a culinary tradition — the making of the Chakuli Pitha, a recipe that has transcended centuries.
Just as the sacred rituals and sounds evoke the essence of Odisha’s socio-cultural background, the aroma of freshly made Chakuli Pitha fills the air, promising a day packed with gastronomic delights.
FLAVOURS AND TEXTURES:
Chakuli Pitha is a thin crepe made from a batter of soaked rice, split and de-husked black gram (Biri in Odia). The batter is perfectly fermented to achieve its earthy taste — neither too tangy nor flat. It is then ladled onto a griddle in circular motions where the heat allows it to grow into skinny, crispy-edged crepes (Pithas in Odia) possessing a velvety centre.
Needless to say, Chakuli Pitha holds a unique place in the hearts, plates and palates of Odias throughout the globe.
SIMPLE YET VERSATILE:
The magic of Chakuli Pitha lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you choose to relish it as a protein rich breakfast, a soul-satisfying meal, a nutritious snack, or as part of festive treat, each bite of these savoury crepes not only delights the senses but also tells a story of tradition, workmanship and passion for culinary art. It embodies the essence of Odia cuisine – simple yet versatile and rooted in tradition yet adaptable to modern tastes. Thus, making it a culinary treasure that is loved by people of all generations.
Whether you enjoy it with a dollop of homemade butter, paired with freshly made bhaja (vegetables sautéed with salt and spices), curries, dalma, zesty chutneys, sweet honey, earthy jaggery or dunk it in milk, Chakuli pitha excites the palates of varied age groups.
In Odisha, Chakuli Pitha is an all season puja offering (prasad) due to its Satvik traits. In Hinduism, Satvik foods are pious foods that are ideal for offering to deities and believed to instil calmness, foster spiritual connect and purity in worship. Chakuli Pitha is a perfect specimen of this ethos.
Besides, it also underscores agrarian practices in the state, and showcases the role of food in strengthening community bonds. In a way, Chakuli Pitha is a culinary brand that invites all to partake in its rich flavours.
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