Patishapta Pitha (Stuffed Sweet Pancakes - Bengali Dessert)

          This is a traditional home made Bengali dessert usually prepared during the festival of Sankranti. In simple terms, they are pancakes / crepes made of sooji-maida combo and stuffed with a filling of grated fresh coconut and khoya. I took the liberty of adding some powdered cashew nut for some added flavor.

         There are many varieties of Pitha made during this occasion. Some are deep fried and then dipped in sugar syrup and some are simply steamed. Traditionally, khejurer Gur (Date Palm Jaggery) is used in this recipe, but in the absence of it, sugar (both white or brown) does the job. I mixed the jaggery in the batter rather than in the stuffing, to get a golden colour. 

Batter-----

• 1 cup sooji (semolina)
• 1/2 cup maida (plain flour)
• 2 tbsp. rice flour
• 1/4 cup melted jaggery (I have used date palm jaggery)
• milk / water as required

Filling----

• 1 coconut, grated
• 100 gms khoya, grated (milk solids)
• sugar to taste
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 2-3 tbsp. cashew nut powder (opt)
• 1 tbsp. ghee
•  oil as required         

          For the batter - mix together all the mentioned ingredients with required quantity of milk. Keep aside for 30 minutes. If needed add water to make the consistency a semi liquid batter of pouring consistency. Keep aside.

          For the stuffing - Heat ghee in a non-stick pan and add all the above mentioned ingredients, except oil. Sauté on a low flame till it is thick and starts to leave the sides of the pan . Keep aside to cool.

          Smear a non-stick tawa / griddle with a little oil and pour a ladleful of the batter. Spread it around in a round shape by tilting the tawa or with the back of the ladle. Add few drops of oil around the edges and let it cook for  few seconds.

          Add a heaped tbsp. of the filling lengthwise in the center of the pancake and roll it over. Press it gently and take off the fire. Make patishapta pitha in the similar manner and stack them one over the other.