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Gheela Pitha or Ghila pitha Recipe and A very happy Rongali Bihu





   A torrent of memory flared up in me when I think about the Gheela/Ghila pitha, and I behold the moment. Gheela pitha and Bihu are synonyms, in that matter, in Assamese celebrations, an essential Assamese dessert recipe. The clear sky, blooming flowers, and light greenery are what I am enjoying right now here in Connecticut, while in my homeland, Assam, is preparing for our most whimsical festival, Bohag Bihu, and the New Year. A thousand miles away from my home and loved ones, I reminisce about those yesteryears and think of making Gheela Pitha. Unlike Xutuli pitha, Gheela Pitha is easy to make with just 3 ingredients. Gheela pitha's shape is inspired by a seed that children used to use as a toy. Flat and round-shaped gheela pitha is a ubiquitous dessert that you can find in an Assamese household, especially during Bihu or any other special celebration. 





Ingredients


Sweet Rice - 2 cups ( ideally new rice)

Regular rice powder - 4 tablespoons (I use store-bought rice powder)

Jaggery powder - 1.5 cups, or you can add a bit more or less according to your sweet bud

Oil for frying, you may use any cooking oil (Traditionally in Assamese cooking, we use Mustard seed oil) 




  1. Wash and soak the rice for 2 to 3 hours, or until you can feel the softness when you touch it. Strain the rice and spread it out on a muslin cloth. Let it dry for 2 to 3 hours.
  2. Now, grind the rice into a fine powder and sieve it well so that no grainy texture remains.
  3. Now, mix the ground rice and rice powder with gur (or jaggery) in a wide bowl.
  4. Make a dough. Sprinkle a little water, being careful not to add all the water at once; otherwise, it will be difficult to make the dough. See if you require more water later. Make the dough soft. 
  5. Make small balls from the dough one by one and flatten them.
  6. Now, put the gas on a medium flame and place a pan. Pour the oil into it. Once it gets hot, start frying the pithas until they get golden brown. Usually, the outside is crisp and the inside is soft. 
  7. Serve hot with a cup of tea or milk, or your favorite beverage, or enjoy it on its own. 


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