Rediscovering Jharkhand’s Hidden Culinary Gems
Jharkhand's traditional food reflects its tribal roots, deep connection to nature, and resourceful cooking. Unfortunately, many of these dishes—once part of everyday meals—are now vanishing from memory.
Jharkhand is a land of forests, festivals, and flavours that few outside the region know about. The traditional food of Jharkhand reflects its tribal heritage, close connection with nature, and wise use of seasonal ingredients. But sadly, many of these dishes—once cooked in every household—are disappearing with time.
This blog celebrates the lost recipes of Jharkhand that are rooted in tradition, rich in nutrition, and waiting to be revived.
1. Thekua – A Sweet Snack with a Festival Story
Thekua is a deep-fried sweet snack made from wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. Commonly prepared during Chhath Puja, it is both delicious and travel-friendly. With a shelf life of several days, Thekua is one of the most loved traditional sweets of Jharkhand, especially in rural areas.
2. Handia – Tribal Rice Beer from Jharkhand
Handia is a mildly alcoholic drink made by fermenting boiled rice with natural ranu tablets. This traditional tribal rice beer is prepared in earthen pots and is an integral part of social gatherings and rituals. It’s naturally probiotic and has cooling properties, making it perfect for the hot climate of the region.
3. Rugra Curry – Monsoon’s Forest Gift
Rugra, also known as Putu, is a wild mushroom that grows in Jharkhand’s forests during the monsoon. Rich in protein and earthy in flavour, it’s lightly spiced and cooked with onions or sometimes with meat. This seasonal delight showcases the resourcefulness of tribal cooking.
4. Chilka Roti – Gluten-Free Roti with Rice and Dal
Chilka Roti is a soft pancake-like dish made from ground rice and chana dal. Lightly seasoned and cooked on a flat pan, it is often eaten with spicy chutneys or aloo chokha (mashed potato). It’s a nutritious, gluten-free breakfast option and an example of Jharkhand’s simple yet wholesome food.
5. Bamboo Shoot Curry (Karil ki Sabzi)
Bamboo shoots, or Karil, are gathered from forests and cooked into a flavourful curry. The shoots are soaked, boiled, and then sautéed in mustard oil with minimal spices. Their tangy, slightly bitter taste is appreciated by locals and perfectly complements rice.
6. Sattu Mixed Sabzi – A Protein-Packed Tribal Dish
This unique dish combines sattu (roasted gram flour) with mashed vegetables like raw banana and brinjal. It’s nutritious, easy to digest, and energy-rich. Often prepared without oil, this tribal recipe reflects sustainability, affordability, and balance in every bite.
Why These Recipes Matter Today
Reviving the lost recipes of Jharkhand is not just about preserving taste—it's about cultural identity, ecological wisdom, and healthy living. These dishes are:
-
Based on local and seasonal produce
-
Cooked with minimal waste and natural ingredients
-
Balanced in taste and nutrition
-
Deeply rooted in sustainable tribal traditions
How You Can Help Revive These Recipes
-
Try cooking one of these dishes at home
-
Share your results on social media and tag local food bloggers
-
Ask your parents or grandparents about family food traditions
-
Promote local cuisines during travel or food festivals
-
Use hashtags like #LostRecipesOfIndia, #JharkhandFood, and #Petpuja when posting
Tried one of these dishes or know another hidden gem from Jharkhand?
Share your story in the comments or tag us on Instagram @awsome_foodie.
Let’s celebrate food that tells a story.
Neerja Bhatnagar
If you are looking for interesting and effective content on mental health, parenting, lifestyle, reviews, etc, think of subscribing to my other blog - Neerja's Musings.
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube |Twitter |Podcast
I have written 3 solo books and 3 anthologies. You can buy my books on Amazon. If you are on Kindle Unlimited, you can read them for free. Pls, do check and share your reviews.
Comments
Post a Comment