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Arisa Pitha

Arisa Pitha

Print Recipe
Traditional Odia deep-fried rice and jaggery cake.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice flour (preferably freshly ground)
  • ½ cup grated jaggery (or more to taste)
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
  • 1–2 tbsp ghee (for dough)
  • Water as needed
  • Oil or ghee for deep frying

Instructions

  • Make the Jaggery Syrup
  • Heat jaggery with ¼ cup water until it melts.
  • Strain to remove impurities and boil again until slightly sticky (1-string consistency).
  • Turn off the heat.
  • Prepare the Dough
  • Add rice flour gradually into the jaggery syrup, stirring constantly.
  • Add ghee, sesame seeds, and cardamom.
  • Mix into a soft but firm dough. Let rest for 15–30 mins.
  • Shape the Pithas
  • Grease your palms. Take lemon-sized balls and flatten into thick discs (about 2.5–3 inch wide).
  • Press sesame seeds on top for a rustic finish.
  • Fry It Golden
  • Deep fry in medium-hot oil or ghee.
  • Flip gently and fry until both sides are golden and crisp.
  • Drain on paper towels.