In Bangladesh, the arrival of winter brings with it the cherished tradition of making Vapa Pitha, a delightful rice cake enjoyed during the cooler months. Rooted in centuries of culinary heritage, this simple yet delectable treat holds a special place in our culture.
A few days ago, I made some Pitha for my family. Let me share the process.
Vapa Pitha has been a staple of Bangladeshi cuisine for generations, particularly during the winter season. The tradition of making Pitha dates back to ancient times when families would gather to celebrate the harvest and prepare special foods to mark the occasion. Over time, Vapa Pitha became synonymous with winter festivities, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Let's see the making process.
Ingredients
To make Vapa Pitha, you'll need:
- Rice flour
- Jaggery
- Coconut flakes
- Pinch of salt
The ingredients are these simple!
Preparation
Begin with the crucial part of the process by preparing the mixture for the Pitha.
In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour with a pinch of salt and water. Then use a sieve to make a well-incorporated and flaky mix.
The mixture will look like this.
Take a small bowl and layer the ingredients. Start by adding a layer of rice flour, followed by a layer of jaggery, and then a layer of coconut flakes.
Repeat this process until the bowl is filled, ensuring that each layer is covered with rice flour to prevent the Pitha from breaking.
Cooking Process
I used a traditional Steam Hari or pan to cook the Pitha. You can use any kind of steamer or momo steamer as well.
Place the prepared mixture onto the steamer, ensuring that it is evenly spread out.
Cover the small Pitha bowl with a wet cloth to create steam. This helps to ensure that the Pitha cooks evenly and prevents it from cracking/sticking during the cooking process.
Steam the Pitha for a sufficient amount of time until it is fully cooked. I kept them for 5/7 minutes in a boiling hot steamer. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the Pitha, but typically it takes around 5/7 minutes for each.
Once cooked, remove the Pitha from the steamer and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Vapa Pitha can be enjoyed in various ways. It is commonly served as a breakfast or afternoon snack, paired with a cup of tea or coffee. Some people even enjoy it as a main dish, served alongside curry or other savory accompaniments.
In Bangladesh, this is more than just a culinary delight – it is a symbol of tradition, heritage, and the warmth of winter gatherings. Also, it's kind of a craft because making this perfectly on the first try is very difficult.
By following this simple recipe, you can recreate this beloved delicacy and experience the joy of sharing it with your loved ones during the winter season.
