Gaintha Pitha
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth rice flour dumplings simmered in a creamy, cardamom-scented milk base. This traditional Odia sweet is a comforting dessert, often prepared during festivals like Manabasa Gurubar.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Rice Flour Dough
- b.In a saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the salt and ghee.
- c.Reduce the heat to low, then add the rice flour all at once. Stir vigorously with a wooden spoon until the flour absorbs the water and forms a cohesive lump.
- d.Turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the dough steam for 5 minutes.
- e.Transfer the warm dough to a plate or kneading surface. Carefully knead for 3-4 minutes until it becomes smooth, soft, and pliable. If it's too hot to handle, you can grease your hands with a little ghee.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shape the Dumplings (Gaintha)
- b.While the dough is still warm, pinch off small, marble-sized portions.
- c.Roll each portion between your palms to form small, smooth, crack-free balls or slightly elongated oval shapes.
- d.Place the shaped dumplings on a plate and keep them covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while you shape the rest.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Prepare the Milk Base
- b.In a heavy-bottomed pot or kadai, pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- c.Once simmering, add the crushed green cardamom pods and the bay leaf. Let the milk simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Dumplings
- b.Gently slide the prepared dumplings into the simmering milk, one by one, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
- c.Allow the dumplings to cook on a medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes. For the first 5 minutes, avoid stirring to prevent them from breaking.
- d.After 5 minutes, you can stir gently. The dumplings are cooked when they float to the surface and appear glossy.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Sweeten and Finish the Pitha
- b.Once the dumplings are fully cooked, reduce the heat to low. Add the grated jaggery and the fresh grated coconut.
- c.Stir gently and continuously until the jaggery dissolves completely. The milk will take on a light caramel color.
- d.Continue to simmer for another 4-5 minutes, allowing the kheer to thicken to your desired consistency. Remember it will thicken more as it cools.
- e.Turn off the heat, remove the bay leaf, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Knead the dough while it is still warm to achieve a smooth, crack-free texture, which is crucial for perfect dumplings.
- 2Ensure the dumplings are small and completely smooth. Any cracks can cause them to disintegrate while cooking in the milk.
- 3Use full-fat milk for the richest and creamiest result. It gives the kheer a luxurious texture.
- 4Add the dumplings to gently simmering milk, not rapidly boiling milk, to prevent them from breaking apart.
- 5Always add jaggery after the dumplings are fully cooked. Adding it earlier can sometimes curdle the milk or prevent the dumplings from softening properly.
- 6The kheer will continue to thicken as it cools. Turn off the heat when it's slightly thinner than your desired final consistency.
Adapt it for your goals.
Sweetener
You can use date palm jaggery (Nolen Gur) for a deeper, more caramel-like flavor. Granulated sugar can also be used as a substitute, but jaggery provides the traditional taste and color.
FlavoringFlavoring
For a different aroma, add a few strands of saffron to the warm milk or a tiny pinch of edible camphor (pacha karpura) at the very end.
GarnishGarnish
Enhance the presentation by garnishing with slivered almonds, pistachios, or a few dried rose petals before serving.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy Booster
Made from rice flour and jaggery, this dessert is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing a quick and sustained energy boost, making it a popular choice during festivals.
Rich in Calcium
The generous use of milk makes this dish a good source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Source of Minerals
Unlike refined sugar, jaggery is unrefined and retains essential minerals like iron and magnesium, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Dumplings can break for a few reasons: the dough was not kneaded smoothly and had cracks, they were added to rapidly boiling milk instead of a gentle simmer, or they were stirred too vigorously in the first few minutes of cooking.