When it comes to Indian cuisine, the options are as diverse as the country's culture and landscapes. Each region boasts its own unique flavours and culinary traditions, and Bihar is no exception. Located in the eastern part of India, Bihar has a rich and flavourful vegetarian culinary heritage that is often overshadowed by the more famous cuisines of North India. Here are some of the must-try vegetarian dishes from Bihari cuisine that will leave you craving more.
Litti Chokha is a popular dish from Bihar that is made using roasted gram flour balls that are stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour), spices, and herbs. The balls are then cooked on an open flame until they are crispy and golden brown. They are served with chokha, a mashed vegetable preparation made with potatoes, eggplants, or tomatoes, seasoned with mustard oil, onions, garlic, green chillies, and coriander.
Sattu Paratha is another popular dish from Bihar that is usually eaten for breakfast or lunch. This dish is made using sattu, a flour made from roasted gram, and stuffed inside a paratha. The paratha is then cooked on a tawa (griddle) until it is crispy and golden brown. Sattu paratha is usually served with yogurt, pickle, or chutney.
Chana Ghugni is a popular street food from Bihar that is usually enjoyed as a snack. This dish is made using boiled chickpeas that are cooked in a spicy gravy made from onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is usually served with bread or puri. One way to make this dish even better is by adding some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, to the gravy for an extra burst of flavour. Additionally, you could try using different types of onions, such as red onions or shallots, to add some extra sweetness and depth to the dish.
Baingan Bhaja is a simple yet delicious dish that is made using eggplant. The eggplant is sliced into thin rounds, dipped in a batter made from gram flour and spices, and then fried until it is crispy and golden brown. It is usually served with rice or roti.
Aloo Chokha is a scrumptious and aromatic dish that can be made with boiled and mashed potatoes. It can be made more delicious by adding a few extra ingredients to the recipe. For example, you could try adding some garlic, ginger, or coriander leaves to the mashed potatoes for a burst of flavour. You could also experiment with different types of spices and seasoning to create a unique and personalised flavour profile.