Two easy recipes for traditional Bengali palm fruit cakes

The aroma of freshly made palm fruit cakes, coupled with their distinctive sweetness, is an integral part of the traditional Bengali culinary experience during the ripe palm fruit season. Rather than buying them from outside, you can easily prepare these delicious treats at home. Here are two popular recipes that are perfect for enjoying with family.

1. Tal-er Tel Pitha

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, this traditional pitha makes an ideal afternoon snack.

Ingredients

1 cup thick palm fruit extract
2 cups rice flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup jaggery or sugar, according to taste
½ cup grated coconut
A pinch of salt
Oil for deep-frying

Method
Combine the palm fruit extract, jaggery or sugar, rice flour, all-purpose flour, grated coconut and salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to form a thick batter and let it rest, covered, for 10–15 minutes. Heat sufficient oil in a deep pan, drop a spoonful of batter into the hot oil and fry until the pitha becomes golden brown, turning it gently as needed. Remove and drain excess oil before serving.

2. Traditional steamed palm fruit pitha

For those who prefer a lighter preparation with little or no frying, steamed palm fruit pitha is an excellent choice.

Ingredients

1 cup thick palm fruit extract
2 cups rice flour
½ cup thick milk
1 cup sugar
½ cup grated coconut
½ teaspoon baking powder

Method
Mix the rice flour with palm fruit extract, milk, sugar and baking powder to make a moderately thick batter. Lightly grease small bowls or steel containers, pour in the batter and sprinkle grated coconut on top. Place the containers in a steamer and steam over medium heat for 15–20 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the pitha; if it comes out clean, remove the pitha, allow it to cool slightly and serve.

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With the rich flavour of ripe palm fruit complemented by the subtle sweetness of coconut, these pithas offer both a delightful culinary experience and a taste of Bengali heritage. They make a particularly inviting treat for a rainy or early-autumn afternoon.