Chitau Pitha

Chittau Pitha is closely associated with the Chitalagi Amavasya festival, observed on the new moon day of the Shravan month, usually in July or August. This delicacy is a soft, light pancake made from a batter of soaked rice and freshly grated coconut, cooked gently without being flipped.

On this auspicious day, Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev, and Maa Subhadra are adorned with golden, diamond, and ruby forehead ornaments known locally as Chita. During their journey in the Rath Yatra festival, these ornaments are removed, and on Chitalagi Amavasya, they are ceremonially restored. 

Ingredients: 

1. Raw Rice - 2 cups

2. Grated Coconut -  1 to 1.5 cups

3. Milk 1 cup 

4.  Baking powder ½ tsp(optional)

5. Sugar ½ cup

6. Ghee 

7. Cardamom powder 1 tsp

8. Salt as per your taste
   
   

Method

1.      Wash the soaked rice thoroughly.

2.      Grind it with milk and grated coconut until you get a smooth batter.

3.      Add sugar, baking powder, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt.

4.      Mix well and let the batter rest for about 2 hours. (No fermentation needed.)

5.      Heat a pan or kadhai and lightly grease it with a teaspoon of ghee.

6.      Pour a ladle of batter and gently spread it into a small pancake.

7.      Cover the pancake with a small lid (just enough to cover the pitha/pancake, not the whole pan).

8.      After a few seconds, check for small pores forming on top.

9.      Cover the lid again and sprinkle a few drops of water around the lid.

10. Let it cook on medium flame for about 2 more minutes.

11. Remove the lid and gently take out the pitha/pancake.

12. Do not flip—it cooks fully on one side using steam.

13. Continue with the remaining batter.

14. Serve hot with milk or rice kheer.