Food Prepared In Clay Pots In The Ancient Way - Ashke Pithe

Ashke Pithe is one of the most popular rice cakes in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. It is also known as Dhaka Pithe, Chikui Pithe, and Sora Pithe. The current spelling, 'Ashke', may have evolved from 'Axse' due to local usage. It resembles the South Indian Idli. Ashke Pithe is traditionally prepared during Paush Sankranti. Typically, it is served with molasses or can be enjoyed boiled in milk molasses. However, it can also be paired with lentils, peas, fish curry of Koi fish, and even meat curry. The primary ingredient for Ashke Pithe is half-seasoned atop chal/rice flour, which is made from finely milled white or brown rice. Other ingredients include water, salt, and some corn oil. For making Ashke Pithe, a special type of soil lid is used, and it is covered from the top with a slightly smaller soil lid, known as ''Sora.'' This method allows for the preparation of only one Ashke Pithe at a time. An old lady was seen making Ashke Pithe using a clay pot in a village in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on January 14, 2024. (Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images)