Anarsa
Anarsa or Hilsa is an Indian rice-based biscuit. It is commonly associated with the Hindu festival of Diwali in Maharashtra and Bihar, along with other special occasions.[1][2][3] Its ingredients include jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), rice, poppy seed and ghee (clarified butter).
 | |
| Course | Dessert |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | India |
| Region or state | Bihar(Gaya), Maharashtra |
| Main ingredients | Jaggery, rice, poppy seed, ghee |
Anarasha, which means "without corruption" or "eternal" in Sanskrit, is the root of the name "Anarsa. The word Anarasha also denotes cleanness timelessness and absence of decay.[4]
Cultural significance
In Indian traditions, particularly in the country's north and west, it has a profound and significant cultural significance. This classic treat has a symbolic connection to cultural heritage, festival celebration, and symbol of prosperity.[5]
Preparation
Anarsas are made from soaked powdered rice, ground, and mixed with jaggery to create a dough which matures for 4-5 days and is then rolled in white poppy seeds, pressed into rounds, and fried.[2] The disks are fried poppy-coated side first.[6]
In a variation from the standard recipe, a banana is added to the rice flour base.[7] The Bihari variation of anarsa tends to be rounder and ball-shaped as opposed to the flatter one in Maharashtra.[8]
See also
References
- ^ Prasad, Lalita; Prasad, Ramakant; Upadhyay, Vijay S (1979). Changing dietary patterns and habits : a socio-cultural study of Bihar (first ed.). Concept. p. 42. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2016.
- ^ 2.0 2.1 O'Brien, Charmaine (2013). The Penguin Food Guide to India. Penguin Books Limited. ISBN 9789351185758.
- ^ Pathak, Jyoti (2007). Taste of Nepal. Hippocrene Books. ISBN 9780781811217.
- ^ Mithainama (18 August 2023). "Anarsa | Anarasha". Mithainama. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ Mithainama (18 August 2023). "Anarsa | Anarasha". Mithainama. Retrieved 12 July 2024.
- ^ "Anarsa in India". India9.com. 23 October 2014. Archived from the original on 21 May 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- ^ Vikas Khanna (1 December 2012). My Great Indian Cookbook. ISBN 9788184757989. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
- ^ Vikas Khanna (1 December 2012). My Great Indian Cookbook. ISBN 9788184757989. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2021.
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