Sattu, the nutritious flour made from roasted gram, has been a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine for centuries. This versatile superfood not only boasts remarkable health benefits but also adds depth and flavor to a wide array of traditional dishes across various regional cuisines of India. Let’s embark on a flavorful journey as we explore some of the most beloved cuisines that feature sattu as a star ingredient.
1. Bihari Cuisine:
Bihar, known for its rich culinary heritage, holds a special place for sattu in its traditional dishes. Here are a few iconic Bihari delicacies featuring sattu:
- Sattu Paratha: A wholesome and nutritious flatbread made by stuffing sattu mixed with spices and herbs into wheat dough, then rolled out and cooked on a griddle. Served with a dollop of ghee or yogurt, sattu paratha is a favorite breakfast or lunch option in Bihar.
- Sattu Litti: Litti is a baked wheat ball filled with a savory mixture of sattu, spices, and sometimes chopped onions or garlic. It is typically served with chokha, a spicy mashed vegetable dish, and a generous drizzle of ghee, creating a flavorsome and hearty meal.
2. Uttar Pradesh Cuisine:
Uttar Pradesh, with its diverse culinary traditions, also embraces sattu as a key ingredient in its regional delicacies. Here are a couple of popular sattu-based dishes from the state:
- Sattu Ka Paratha: Similar to the Bihari version, sattu ka paratha is a stuffed flatbread made by filling wheat dough with a spiced sattu mixture. It is then cooked on a griddle until golden brown and served hot with a side of pickle or yogurt.
- Sattu Ki Kachori: A crispy and flaky deep-fried pastry filled with a flavorful sattu filling seasoned with aromatic spices. Sattu ki kachori is a popular street food snack enjoyed across Uttar Pradesh for its irresistible taste and satisfying crunch.
3. West Bengal Cuisine:
In West Bengal, sattu finds its way into several traditional dishes, adding a nutty flavor and nutritional boost. Here’s a classic Bengali dish featuring sattu:
- Sattu’r Pitha: A traditional Bengali pancake made with a batter of sattu, rice flour, and spices, cooked until golden brown and crispy. Sattu’r pitha is often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, served with a drizzle of ghee or a dollop of yogurt for a delightful treat.
From the heartland of Bihar to the vibrant streets of West Bengal, sattu continues to weave its magic into the tapestry of Indian cuisine. Whether in savory parathas, crispy kachoris, or indulgent pithas, sattu adds a unique texture and flavor to traditional dishes while offering a plethora of health benefits. Embrace the culinary treasures of India’s regional cuisines and savor the wholesome goodness of sattu in every bite.