Here comes my next recipe from my Bihari [bɪˈɦaːri] cuisine repertoire that is a ‘no cook’ one actually. I have been posting a series of Bihari food recipes since February and also in the past years of blogging and the intention is to upload at least one recipe a month. I also wish to bring up Bihari food to the status that it rightly deserves amongst the various regional cuisines of India. But one thing that I missed telling you guys earlier is that the cuisine from the state of Bihar is similar to that of Jharkhand since they were 15 years ago one consolidated state. And there are also some parallels with eastern parts of Uttar Pradesh and Oriya & Bengali food. However, I plan to bring to you the distinctive dishes that have been synonymous to the state.
Chewda / Chewra or Chivda / Chiwda refers to flattened/ beaten rice that is often used to make namkeen mixtures (savory trail mixes) and also a dish called Poha which is a Maharashtrian breakfast and snacking dish. However, I avoid having the trail mix since it is deep fried (to make it crisp). Before my marriage, my only introduction to Chiwda was via Poha. However post marriage I was somewhat taken aback seeing my husband and his family enjoying chiwda uncooked for their breakfast meal. It is actually a staple for a Bihari family. It is eaten unfailingly on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, which is a harvest festival however it is typically eaten for breakfast and only two ingredients are usually added to it before consuming – yogurt and some sort of sweetener (honey or palm sugar). Since I have never enjoyed sweet lassi or sweet yogurt, this sweetened yogurt chiwra breakfast was a complete no-no for me. My husband, meanwhile, can have this for breakfast every day of the year…yes 365 days. Unbelievable! Isn’t it? Yet, I am not complaining since it is a no cook breakfast dish, so it makes hectic mornings easy:)
Well, I don’t mind having it with a fruit compote or pureed fruit mixed into yogurt (sort of flavored yogurt). To me it feels similar to granola or oats parfait. And chia seed parfait is quite popular too, so why not a Chivda Parfait – it looks chic and appetising and what’s better, it is gluten free. This easy to digest breakfast dish keeps your tummy cool and satiated during the suppressing summer heat thereby makes it ideal for toddlers and elderly. Chewra should be easily available at Indian grocery stores since it is a popular ingredient used by many Indians.
One key point that needs a mention here is that unlike other chewra dishes that one gets to see, in Bihar people essentially use the basmati chewra and not the thin flattened chewra used to make trail mixtures and poha. The chewra is washed and soaked in water for just a few minutes to soften it a bit before it is added to the yogurt but my husband does not enjoy the ‘soft and soggy’ texture (his words) and he prefers to have it straight away with yogurt so he can enjoy the crunchy texture. Feel free to use nuts or seeds or raisins for texture if you wish to. For this simple and nutritious no cook breakfast you would need the following.
1 Cup Chiwda
¾ – 1 Cup Yogurt (or as required)
1 cup Mangoes (diced)
1 Cup Strawberries (hulled, washed and chopped or sliced)
2 tbsp mixed Nuts (optional)
Honey / Sugar / Palm Sugar to sweeten the yogurt
Rinse the chiwda twice and then drain excess water using a big sieve or colander. Keep it aside for approximately 2 minutes or till the chiwda is soft. Fluff the chiwda using a fork.
Transfer the chiwda to a mixing bowl and add gently whipped yogurt (adjust the amount).
Meanwhile take the glasses in which you intend to serve the dahi chiwra and start layering as desired. I started with dahi chiwda mix at the bottom and topped it with chopped mangoes. Then, again a layer of dahi chiwda and topped with chopped strawberries. Sprinkle nuts on the top if using.
Note: Feel free to use fruits of your choice.
Note: Add some nuts for texture and some healthy goodness.
Note: Preferably serve it chilled
Note: I drizzled over some strawberry compote and its juices (instead of simple chopped strawberries) over the Dahi Chiwda and it tasted fabulous. Do try it!!
Try some of these recipes made with yogurt…
Dahi ke Kebab (Yogurt Patties)
Doi Maachh (Fish in Yogurt Sauce)
Chili Vanilla Yogurt Pannacotta
Paalak Patta Chaat (Spinach Fritters w/ Spiced Yogurt & Tamarind n Green Chutney)
Thanks for visiting and see you soon again
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Post linked to Spicie Foodie, Nancy’s, monthly YBR event.
What a pretty looking dish! And one that’s totally new to me. Love the flavors in this — I’ll eat anything that has strawberries in it! Fun post — thanks.
Those rice flakes are so interesting. This can be a dessert too.
Looks absolutely stunning..lovely clicks and very well presented:)…You made me hungry dear:)
The parfait looks appealing. I am sure it tastes good when you have the mango in it. Homemade yogurt is the best. I like making my own yogurt so that I know what is in it and it tastes much better too. Strawberry yogurt is perfect for summer!!
Hi Taruna
Never could I imagine Chiwada in such a delicious form. You are something man… I mean Woman !!!
I’ve been reading up all of your previous posts, such a treat, as this breakfast. Seriously, my type of way to kick of the day 😉
What a pretty looking parfait! Combo of strawberry and mango looks and sounds so divine. Perfect summer treat! 🙂
WOW! I’ve never seen chevda consumed uncooked! What a lovely way to eat it! Absolutely love this!
Yummy looking parfait.Hmm sometimes we don’t like the simplest of things thats readily available and good for health what to do :). Love the overhead view of glass from top to bottom pic.
Both of these strawberry treats look like the perfect breakfast. The chiwda is very new to me, and sounds quite interesting. I was wondering what was mixed in with the yogurt. At first I thought it was cottage cheese. Beautiful pictures and delicious parfaits!
yes yes bring on more Bihari recipes! Since I am from eastern Uttar Pradesh, I can relate to all of them! 😀 Have seen a lot of people eat dahi chiwda for breakfast in my village! I used to eat it too when I was a kid, now it’s been ages! Thanks to you I’m going to try it asap!
This is such a fun recipe Taruna.
I am new to your blog and I’m absolutely smitten by your dedication.
I love how you have incorporated chiwra into this parfait.
The brilliant flavour is going in too. Great for summers.
Thank you so much Hasin for your kind words and appreciation 🙂
such a beautiful dish! i really want to feed it to my kids, they would love the colors.
This looks so healthy and delicious! I’m glad we met through Nancy’s YBR
Really love that beautiful pink colour. It just looks so delicious. If I could, I would just extend my hand inside the screen and gobble it all up.
Wow this looks delicious and filling! perfect for the summers. Thanks for sharing the recipe.