Urad Dal Pitha (Lentil filled rice cakes)

Flatbreads are my favourite and I love the variety you can make with them. The Urad Dal Pitha from Bihar is one such magically woven recipe where lentils and rice come together in a beautiful combination! In this cooked white lentils (urad dal) is cooked till dry and stuffed in a rice paste and steamed. Its worth the effort and the taste is utterly delicious!

My neighbour had fractured his hip and after a fortnight in the hospital came home.I made this to celebrate his homecoming and he loved it to pieces!Its delicious,healthy and melt in the mouth! It has the right amount of carbs,negligible fats and lots of protein.We gathered at his place – me,another Indian family and some of his friends. I served it with Coconut and Coriander Chutneys.It was loved by everyone who tasted it!

This was entered for the 158th FoodieMondayBloghop where the theme was Indian FlatBreads.

Preparation Time : 1 hour

Makes : 8 Pitha

INGREDIENTS

For the casing :

1 cup rice flour

2 cups water

1 tsp salt

2 tbsp ghee

The stuffing :

1/2 cup urad dal

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp grated coconut

2 tsp cumin powder (jeera)

1 tsp coriander powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp chopped coriander leaves

2 – 3 curry leaves

1 tbsp oil

METHOD

Prepare the stuffing :

Soak the urad dal for 4 – 5 hours.Drain the dal and grind to a fine paste.Heat oil and add the ground dal. Sauté on low heat in a non stick pan till dry. Add salt,spices and curry leaves and cover the pan.Cook till the urad dal is cooked and soft.Sprinkle 2 tbsp water and cook till steam cooked.Add grated coconut and coriander leaves and mix well. Keep aside to cool.

Prepare the casing :

Heat water in a non stick pan and add ghee.When the water starts to boil add the rice flour 2 tbsp at a time and cook stirring to a fine paste.Cook on low heat till the flour is well cooked and absorbs all the water.Sprinkle 2 tbsp water on top and cover the pan.Take off heat and leave for 10 minutes and knead with a potato masher till smooth and pliable.

Prepare and place a steamer on medium heat.Divide into 7 – 8 portions and shape into small cups.Place 1 tsp of the lentil mixture in the cups and fold into neat half moons.Steam for 5 – 7 minutes till well cooked and a skewer inserted comes out clean.Take out and cool for sometime.

Serve with a chutney of your choice!