Classic Cooking of Orissa

Present-day Orissa is a unique blend of the ancient and the modern. Alluring images of elegant Odissi dancers in all their bejewelled finery sparkling silver filigree ornaments suave Sambalpuri sarees colourful applique wall-hangings the breathtakingly beautiful beaches and coastline the flora and fauna fairs and festivals and above all the temple art and architecture have all contributed to the states reputation as a tourists paradise besides its image as an important pilgrimage centre. Of late the commercial and industrialization processes initiated in this state have been welcomed by investors from other parts of the country and abroad. The culinary tradition of Orissa its unique vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine the rice preparations and the sweets is the subject of this compilation. The authors have painstakingly chronicled the variety that the different regions in the state boast of with their own distinct tastes. Although the tasty and nutritious Oriya cuisine still retains its traditional flavours it has also moved with the times. Cross-cultural influences have seeped in and in the modern Oriya kitchen the mortar and pestle co-exist with the mixi and the microwave oven. This presentation of the culinary wonders from Orissa is enriched with numerous nuggets encapsulating the states rich cultural heritage.