Chatu Badhi

Chatu Badhi is a traditional food from Odisha, India. It is a type of sun-dried lentil dumpling that is commonly used in everyday cooking. Chatu Badhi is usually made from black gram (biri dal). The dal is soaked, ground into a thick paste, and mixed with simple spices like cumin, garlic, and salt. Small portions of this mixture are shaped into balls or flat pieces and then dried under the sun for several days.

Once dried, Chatu Badhi can be stored for a long time and used whenever needed. It is mostly cooked in curries with vegetables like pumpkin, papaya, or leafy greens. When cooked, the badhi becomes soft and absorbs the flavors of the spices, giving the dish a rich and comforting taste.

Chatu Badhi is valued for its high protein content and simple preparation. It reflects the traditional Odia lifestyle, where people preserved food naturally and cooked nutritious meals with local ingredients.