Pitha

Pitha is a large group of bread and cakes that are popular throughout Bangladesh and India. The most common base for pitha is rice flour, although wheat or corn flour can also be used. Most varieties of pitha are prepared as small cookies or dumplings that are filled with spices, nuts, or different vegetables, in either sweet or savory versions. The simplest versions of pitha are filled with jaggery and coconut, while the more complex ones usually include cheese, lentils, and vegetables in the filling. In Bangladesh, pithas are usually reserved for special occasions - family celebrations, weddings, and harvest festivals such as Nabanna and Poush Parban. They are also often consumed as an afternoon snack, paired with a cup of tea.