Odisha cuisine: Here are some unique & healthy must-try Odia dishes

Odisha, the land of Lord Jagannath, has a rich religious culture which reflects their food as well. Odia cuisine is simple, yet delicious. These dishes are made in very little oil or at times no oil at all, which not only enhances the taste but also makes them very healthy. So, here are some special and authentic Odia dishes which are popular and loved by people. Have a look at these healthy and variety of unique, authentic delicacies which can only be found in Odisha.

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1. Lentils cooked with vegetables – Dalma  

Dalma is a famous Odia dish which is also offered to Lord Jagannath as Prasada. This is a dish which you will always get on the menu, be it any occasion. It is cooked by mixing vegetables with lentils, which makes it nutritious and filling. The spicy flavour gives the dish a unique taste and colour, which is tough to resist. Dalma is a food item mostly consumed with steam rice.

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2. Milk cake - Cheena Podo

In Odia, Cheena podo means burnt cheese. This dish is made with well-kneaded cheena or fresh cottage cheese, sugar, and nuts. It is baked for hours till it turns brown completely. Cheena podo is a must-try dish for you whenever you visit Odisha next time.

3. Water rice – Pakhala Bhata

Pakhala Bhata is an authentic Odia cuisine which is made with cooked rice. It is a simple dish which is said to have originated in the temple of Lord Jagannath. It is prepared in hot summer days and is also believed to prevent heatstroke. Other variations of this dish are Dahi Pakhala, Zeera Pakhala, and Basi Pakhala, which is mostly consumed with roasted veggies or fried fish.

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4. Mixed vegetables – Ghanta

Ghanta is a dish which means mixed in Odia. This food item is cooked by mixing different vegetables and is also enjoyed by the Odia people during festivals. This dish has a typical taste that is enjoyed with either rice or chapatti along with lentil soup. Ghanta is an Odia dish which is very high in nutrition and also healthy to eat.

5. Tangy soup - Dahi kanji

Dahi kanji is a soupy dish. It is a type of dal prepared with curd and mixed with vegetables. The dish is given a tangy flavour by the curd and it is mostly consumed in summers. The mixture of various veggies, lentils, and curd makes this dish very healthy.

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