By 
Bihar is a vibrant state that is known for its paintings, folk songs, delectable cuisine and mouth-watering sweets. Some of these sweets, like Thekua and Malpua, are so famous that they probably need no introduction.
There are other famous sweets from Bihar that you should definitely know and try out as a dessert lover.
10 Highly Popular Sweets from Bihar Dessert Lovers Should Have
1. Silao Khaja
Silao Khaja traces its origins to the city of Silao in the district of Nalanda in Bihar. This sweet is prepared by stacking and rolling back layers of dough and deep frying them. This dough is made from wheat flour, ghee, maida, water, aniseeds and cardamom.
Once it becomes crispy, the dough is dunked in a sugar syrup, which gives them their distinctive taste.
2. Thekua
Thekua is a famous sweet from Bihar that is traditionally made during Chhath Puja. It is prepared from ghee, wheat flour, jaggery and occasionally grated coconut. These ingredients are made into a dough, which is then fried until it achieves a golden brown colour. It has a sweet, nutty taste and can be served at tea time or as an anytime snack.
3. Malpua
Malpua is a rich Bihari delicacy that resembles a pancake. It is prepared from milk, flour and mashed bananas for added flavor, which are mixed to make a batter. This batter is then deep-fried in oil, after which sugar syrup is added, giving it a rich taste. Some people also add pistachios to garnish, as per their taste profile.
4. Balushahi
Balushahi is a famous sweet from Bihar that is traditionally offered to visiting guests and prepared during festivities and celebrations. It is prepared from a flour-based dough that is deep-fried and then dunked in sugar syrup, giving it its trademark taste.
When you take a bite, the outer side feels crispy while the insides have a soft texture.
5. Anarsa
Anarsa is a Bihari sweet that is prepared with jaggery, fermented rice flour, poppy seeds, and ghee. The fermented rice flour is first made into a dough by hand, after which poppy seeds are added and then it is fried in oil. This sweet is typically prepared during festivals like Diwali.
6. Tilkut
Tilkut is a famous Bihari sweet with origins in Gaya, which is traditionally prepared during the Makar Sankranti festival. It is made from jaggery, roasted til or sesame seeds and ghee.
The sesame seeds are lightly roasted until aromatic and then ground into a coarse powder. Separately, jaggery is melted with a small amount of ghee until it reaches a smooth, bubbling consistency. The roasted sesame powder is then mixed into the jaggery syrup and cooked briefly until well combined. Once this mixture thickens, it is flattened and cut into different shapes.
7. Gujiya
Gujiya is a famous Bihari delicacy that is popularly made during Holi, Teej and other festivals. It is prepared from a dough of ghee and flour, which is mixed with a coconut and jaggery mixture. This dough is then deep-fried until crispy, and enjoyed by everyone. People enjoy this sweet with savoury snacks during the festive season.
8. Lai
Lai is a famous sweet from Bihar which traces its origins to the town of Barh. It is made from spices, jaggery and puffed rice, which are shaped into balls and enjoyed during local fairs and festivals.
There are two types of this sweet. One of these is made with amaranth and eaten during fasts. The other is made with the above ingredients and is for everyday consumption.
9. Parwal Ki Mithai
Parwal Ki Mithai is a unique Bihari sweet. It is prepared during weddings and other festive occasions and uses the parwal or green gourd vegetable. This vegetable is first peeled and boiled. After that, you can stuff it with dry fruits and khoya to finish making it.
10. Makhana Kheer
Makhana Kheer is a famous sweet from Bihar that is made from makhana, sugar and milk and flavored with cardamom. It is then garnished with chopped nuts for taste. You may add kishmish (raisins) for an extra touch of sweetness. This sweet dish is prepared during festive occasions and fasting-related pujas.
Conclusion
Each famous sweet from Bihar has its own distinctive flavor, texture and taste, and tells a different story. These delicacies are an integral part of festivities and gatherings and often linger in people’s minds long after they have had them.
Comments