Chhattisgarhi Aloo Pithi Potato Stuffed Dumpling

Method

1. 1

   Make the potato filling: Mix the completely smooth mashed potato with finely chopped green chilli, ginger paste, crushed cumin seeds, red chilli powder, amchur, coriander leaves and salt. Mix thoroughly. Taste — the filling should be well-spiced and slightly tangy from the amchur. Divide into 10 to 12 equal portions.

2. 2

   Make the rice flour dough: Place rice flour and salt in a bowl. Pour hot water gradually while mixing vigorously. Once cool enough, knead 2 to 3 minutes until smooth and pliable. Keep covered.

3. 3

   Divide dough: Divide into 10 to 12 portions matching the filling.

4. 4

   Shape each into a cup: Take one dough portion with wet hands. Press into a flat disc 8 cm wide. Use wet fingers to create a cup shape with slightly thicker walls and a slightly thinner base.

5. 5

   Fill and seal: Place one potato filling portion inside. Bring the edges up and seal firmly — shape into a round or oval bundle. Smooth the outside with wet fingers. The seal must be tight — any gap will let filling escape during steaming.

6. 6

   Make all the pithi: Repeat for all portions. Keep covered with a damp cloth.

7. 7

   Prepare the steamer: Fill with water and bring to a full boil. Line the steamer tray with a greased banana leaf or damp cloth.

8. 8

   Steam 15 to 18 minutes: Place pithi in a single layer. Cover and steam on medium-high for 15 to 18 minutes until the shell turns slightly translucent. Test with a toothpick.

9. 9

   Make a quick oil tempering: Heat 1 tbsp oil. Add mustard seeds — pop. Add curry leaves. Pour over steamed pithi.

10. 10

    Serve: Serve warm with green chutney or tamarind chutney. The rice shell should be firm and slightly chewy, the potato inside soft and fragrant.

11. 11

    Note: Aloo Pithi is the most requested variety of faraa in Chhattisgarh — the potato filling is universally appealing and the preparation is straightforward. It is sold at morning markets across the state from 6 am and sells out by 9 am. In households, it is the go-to preparation when guests arrive unexpectedly as it can be made quickly from pantry staples.