Chunchi Patra Pitra

Chunchi Patra Pitha (also known as Chhunchipatrapitha) is a traditional delicacy from Odisha, India. This unique rice pancake is characterized by its thin, crepe-like texture and is typically filled with a sweet coconut-jaggery mixture. Traditionally, the batter is spread on a hot griddle using a bunch of grass or a muslin cloth to achieve its signature thinness.

Ingredients

For the Batter:

• 1½ cups raw rice
• ¼ cup black gram (urad dal)
• Salt to taste
• Water (as needed)([Nua Odisha][3], [Cookpad][4])

For the Filling:

• 1 cup grated coconut
• ½ cup jaggery (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• Optional: ½ cup homemade chhena (paneer) or desiccated coconut for variation([Cookpad][4])

For Cooking:

• Ghee or oil (for greasing)
• Muslin cloth or a bunch of grass (traditionally used for spreading the batter)([odisha food delite][5], [Cookpad][4])

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter:

   • Soak the raw rice and black gram separately in water for 4–5 hours.
   • Drain and grind them together into a smooth batter, adding water as needed to achieve a thin, pourable consistency.
   • Add salt to taste and let the batter rest for about an hour.([odisha food delite][5])

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a pan, combine the grated coconut and jaggery.
   • Cook over low heat until the jaggery melts and blends with the coconut.
   • Add cardamom powder and mix well.
   • If using chhena or desiccated coconut, add it at this stage and mix thoroughly.
   • Allow the mixture to cool.

3. Cook the Pitha:

   • Heat a tawa or flat griddle and lightly grease it with ghee or oil.
   • Dip the muslin cloth or grass bunch into the batter and quickly spread it over the hot tawa in a crisscross pattern to form a thin layer.
   • Cook for a few seconds until the edges start to lift.
   • Place a spoonful of the filling in the center and fold the pitha from all sides to encase the filling.
   • Gently remove the pitha from the tawa.
   • Repeat the process with the remaining batter and filling.([Pâticheri][2])

4. Serve:

   • Serve the Chunchi Patra Pitha warm, optionally garnished with additional grated coconut or a drizzle of ghee.([Nua Odisha][3])