Chuda Kadali Chakata
A comforting Odia mix of softened chuda, ripe banana, fresh coconut and jaggery, gently mashed together into a sweet, filling bowl. It comes together quickly and tastes best fresh, with a soft, lightly textured finish.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~5 min
Soften the poha.
1.Place the poha in a sieve and rinse it quickly under running water.2.Transfer it to a bowl and sprinkle in the water.3.Rest for 5 minutes until the flakes soften but still hold their shape.TIPDo not soak the poha in a lot of water or it will turn pasty. - mix · ~3 min
Mash the banana and jaggery.
1.Peel the bananas and place them in a wide bowl.2.Add the jaggery and mash together with clean hands or a fork.3.Keep mashing until the jaggery starts blending into the banana. - mix · ~3 min
Mix in the poha, coconut and pepper.
1.Add the softened poha to the banana mixture.2.Add the grated coconut and black pepper.3.Gently mash and mix everything together until evenly combined and soft.TIPLeave a little texture in the poha for the most traditional finish. - serve
Serve fresh.
Divide the chakata into 4 katoris and serve right away for the best taste and texture.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Rinse thick poha only briefly; if it sits in too much water, the chakata turns gummy instead of soft and fluffy.
- 2Use very ripe bananas with brown speckles so they mash smoothly and help dissolve the jaggery faster.
- 3If your jaggery is hard, grate it finely before mixing so it blends evenly without gritty lumps.
- 4Mash the banana and jaggery first, then fold in poha gently to keep some flakes intact for the traditional texture.
- 5Add the crushed black pepper at the end so its warm, sharp aroma stays noticeable against the sweet banana and coconut.
- 6Serve immediately after mixing; as it rests, the poha keeps absorbing moisture and the mixture becomes heavier.
- 7If making slightly ahead, soften the poha and grate the coconut in advance, but mash and combine just before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Less-sweet
Reduce the jaggery and let the banana provide more of the sweetness for a lighter everyday version.
more coconutMore-coconut
Increase the fresh grated coconut for a richer, more fragrant bowl with extra bite and traditional character.
soft mashedSoft-mashed
Mash the poha more thoroughly for a smoother, porridge-like texture that is easier for children or older eaters.
chunky textureChunky-texture
Leave some banana pieces and more intact poha flakes for a rustic version with better contrast in every bite.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Naturally Energizing
Poha, banana, and jaggery together make this a quick, filling dish that is useful when you want steady energy from simple pantry ingredients.
Contains Fruit and Coconut
Ripe banana adds natural fruit sweetness, while fresh coconut contributes satisfying richness and texture to the bowl.
Comforting and Easy to Eat
Because the ingredients are softened and mashed, this dish is gentle in texture and easy to enjoy as a simple breakfast or snack.
Frequently asked questions
Thick poha works best here because it softens without disappearing. Thin poha can turn mushy very quickly after rinsing and mixing.
