Badi Chura: The Traditional Vegetarian Delight from Bihar

Bihar, a state in eastern India, is known for its rich culture, history, and food. One of the most popular dishes from Bihar is Badi Chura, a traditional vegetarian dish made with lentil balls and spices. Badi Chura is a versatile dish that can be served as a snack or as a main course with rice or roti. In this blog, we will explore the history and health benefits of Badi Chura and provide you with a recipe that you can try at home.

History of Badi Chura

Badi Chura has its roots in the rural areas of Bihar, where it was a staple food of the farmers. The dish was often made with leftover lentil paste from making dal, which was dried in the sun and stored for later use. The dried lentil balls were then crushed and mixed with spices to make a flavorful dish that could be stored for long periods of time. Over time, the recipe for Badi Chura evolved, and it became a popular dish in households across Bihar.

Health Benefits of Badi Chura

Badi Chura is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Urad dal, the main ingredient in Badi Chura, is a rich source of protein, fiber, and minerals such as iron and magnesium. Cumin seeds and coriander seeds used in the dish are known for their digestive properties and can help in the absorption of nutrients. The addition of turmeric powder and red chili powder gives the dish an extra boost of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, Badi Chura is a wholesome and nutritious dish that can be a great addition to a balanced diet.

Recipe for Badi Chura

Now that you know the history and health benefits of Badi Chura, let's dive into the recipe.

Ingredients:

1 cup Urad dal (white lentils)

1/2 tsp Cumin seeds

1/2 tsp Coriander seeds

1/4 tsp Turmeric powder

1 tsp Red chili powder

Salt to taste

Mustard oil for frying

Instructions:

Rinse the urad dal in water 2-3 times and then soak it in water for 2-3 hours.

After soaking, drain the water and spread the dal on a cloth to dry for 1-2 hours.

Once the dal has dried, grind it in a mixer to form a coarse powder.

Take a mixing bowl and add the dal powder, cumin seeds, coriander seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

Take a small amount of the mixture in your hand and shape it into small balls.

Heat mustard oil in a pan and fry the balls until they turn golden brown.

Remove the balls from the oil and let them cool down.

Once the balls have cooled down, crush them using a rolling pin or a mixer to form a coarse powder.

Add chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and lemon juice to the powder and mix well.

Serve Badi Chura with a side of rice or roti.

Conclusion

Badi Chura is a delicious and nutritious dish that has been a part of Bihar's culinary heritage for generations. Its unique taste and versatility have made it a popular dish not only in Bihar but also in other parts of India. The dish is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit individual tastes. So, next time you are looking for a flavorful vegetarian dish, give Badi Chura a try and experience the taste of Bihar