This summer, you may have noticed one dish popping up everywhere on our social media feeds: pakhala bhata. It’s one of the traditional Indian recipes from Odisha, in eastern India. Pakhala is a fermented summer-time dish that is known to be soothing for the gut. While pakhala bhata seems like a trendy new dish, it is a historic, comforting, everyday dish in Odisha.
What Exactly is Pakhala Bhata?
Pakhala bhata is essentially fermented rice soaked in water. Cooked rice is either soaked overnight or mixed with water and slightly fermented, making a light dish that is typically served cold.
It is usually made with leftover rice from the previous day, which is placed in a bowl and covered with water. It is then left to ferment overnight at room temperature. By the next day, the rice develops a slightly sour taste that many people love.
The dish is often complemented with raw onion, fried vegetables, fish, or green chillies.
Survival through generations
Odisha has long been an agrarian region where rice forms the core of everyday meals. In earlier times, women in the household would add water to leftover rice after lunch. Without refrigerators, this was a simple way to keep the rice from spoiling.
The next morning, the rice would ferment slightly, and men would eat it before leaving for the fields. The dish not only provided energy for long hours of work but also helped them stay cool in the intense afternoon heat.
Also, the fermentation process encourages the growth of good bacteria that can support gut health. It is also easy to digest, which is why many people prefer it during hot weather when heavy meals can feel uncomfortable.
In fact, the dish is so culturally important that people in Odisha celebrate it on Pakhala Dibasa, a day dedicated to appreciating this traditional meal.
The Health Benefits
The fermentation process encourages the growth of good bacteria that can support gut health. It is also easy to digest, which is why many people prefer it during hot weather.
Since it is served with water and rice, pakhala bhata helps keep the body hydrated while also providing carbohydrates that give the body the right energy to fight the heat.
Also, the dish is inherently cooling as it is served chilled, which is another reason that many people like having it on hot summer days.
