What is Pithe?
Pithe is a traditional Bengali sweet delicacy that is popular during festivals like Makar Sankranti or Poush Parbon in West Bengal, India. It is a type of sweet dumpling or pancake made from rice flour, coconut, jaggery, and sometimes grated vegetables like sweet potato or yam.
Ingredients of Pithe
- Rice flour
- Grated coconut
- Jaggery
- Sweet potato or yam (optional)
Types of Pithe
There are various types of pithe depending on the shape and ingredients used. Some popular varieties include:
- Patishapta: Thin rice flour pancakes filled with coconut and jaggery mixture
- Puli Pitha: Cylindrical shaped dumplings filled with a sweet stuffing
- Chitoi Pitha: Steamed rice cakes made with rice flour and coconut
How Pithe is Made
To make pithe, the rice flour is mixed with water to form a dough. The dough is then shaped and filled with the coconut and jaggery mixture or other ingredients. The pithe is then steamed or fried until it is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
Significance of Pithe
Pithe is not just a delicious dessert but also holds cultural and religious significance in Bengali households. It is often made during auspicious occasions and festivals to offer as prasad to the deities.
Case Study: Pithe Festival
Every year, the Pithe Festival is organized in Kolkata, where people come together to showcase different varieties of pithe and participate in competitions to win awards for their creations. The festival is a celebration of Bengali culinary traditions and creativity.
Statistics on Pithe Consumption
According to a survey, pithe consumption increases by 30% during the winter months when festivals like Makar Sankranti are celebrated. It is estimated that over 1 million pithe dumplings are consumed in West Bengal during this period.
