One of the most delicious sweets in the underrated world is ‘Pitha’. Hailing from north-east India, this pitha has a unique taste which is generally mild sweet and its variants can be found throughout South-East Asia.
Pati Shapta, however, is a delicate, crepe-like dessert that is enough to make your mouth water. This thin, golden-brown crepe that’s filled with a rich, creamy filling made with coconut, jaggery, and cardamom. The aroma of the cardamom, combined with the sweetness of the jaggery and the nutty flavor of the coconut, creates a heavenly taste that lingers on your tongue.
The soft and silky texture of the filling is perfectly complemented by the slightly crispy and chewy texture of the crepe, making each bite an explosion of flavor and texture in your mouth. The sweet syrup that’s drizzled on top adds a touch of extra sweetness, making this dessert the perfect balance of flavors.
It is made with all-natural ingredients such as all-purpose flour, semolina, milk, coconut, and jaggery, which are all good sources of energy, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Coconut, in particular, is rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants, and is known to support heart health, brain function, and weight management. However, it’s worth noting that Pati Shapta Pitha is also high in sugar and calories, which can be a concern for those with diabetes or watching their weight.
So, here’s a recipe for Pati Shapta Pitha:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup of semolina
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of grated coconut
- 1 cup of jaggery
- 2-3 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1 tablespoon of ghee
- Oil for cooking
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and semolina.
- Slowly add the milk and whisk until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- In a pan, melt the jaggery over low heat until it turns into a syrup.
- Add the grated coconut and crushed cardamom pods to the pan and stir until the mixture is well combined. Set aside.
- Heat a non-stick pan or crepe pan over medium heat and brush with a little oil or ghee.
- Pour a ladleful of the batter onto the pan and swirl it around to form a thin crepe.
- Cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to curl up and the bottom turns golden brown.
- Spoon a tablespoon of the coconut-jaggery filling onto the center of the crepe and fold it into a roll or envelope.
- Cook the filled crepe for another 1-2 minutes until the filling is heated through and the crepe turns golden brown.
- Repeat with the remaining batter and filling until you’ve made all the Pati Shapta.
- Drizzle with extra jaggery syrup or honey and serve hot.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delicious dessert, Pati Shapta Pitha is the perfect choice. Its delicate and complex flavors will leave you wanting more, and its comforting and satisfying texture will warm your heart and soul. So go ahead and indulge yourself in the decadent and unforgettable taste of Pati Shapta Pitha!
