An Odia Platter For The Month Of Kartika

An Odia Platter For The Month Of Kartika

The Odia month of Kartika has begun and we can’t help but drool over the aroma of Habisa Dalma and pure ghee. So what if large gatherings are restricted or Balijatra is not happening this year, a tour de force with this lip-smacking vegetarian platter is enough to make you nostalgic.

Habisa Dalma

Habisa Dalma is the signature dish of the Kartika month and is well known for its divine taste and smell. It is made in the simplest way possible to cook. Moong dal is boiled with chopped raw bananas, arbis and pieces of elephant apple. Garnished with jeera powder and served!

Ghee Rice

Ghee rice is the staple food of Kartika month alongside Habisa Dalma. While various types of rice grains are consumed in our state, ‘arua’ rice is significantly cooked during this month. When it comes to ghee, people prefer natural ones (gua ghia) over-processed. According to various studies, ghee rice improves digestion in winters.

Ouu Khatta

You cannot miss out the tongue-tingling Ouu khatta on a ‘Kartika Masa’ food platter. Elephant apples are cut into long pieces and boiled until they become tender. Later, it is served with green chillies and salt and this adds the chutzpah to the meal.

Agasti Saga Bhaja

Leafy vegetables are best eaten during this month as winters are abundant with all kinds of green. Agasti leaves and flowers are cooked and eaten by people, especially widows in Kartika month who observe Habisa and Radha Madhav Vrat.

Muga Chakata

Although Muga Chakata is a trademark dish of Savitri vrat, many women folk also have this protein bowl for breakfast in Kartika month. It contains mixed fruits, soaked raw moong dal, bananas, dry fruits, and sugar/ jaggery.

The whole list proves that not only Odia foods are great in taste, but our food calendars are customized according to health requirements and shift of seasons. Let us know your memorable dish of Kartika month in the comment section below.