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Onla (Bodo rice-paste curry)

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A Bodo curry thickened with ground rice, cooked with chicken or vegetables and flavoured with ginger and green chilli.

Region: Assam (Bodo community)Occasion: Everyday and festive mealsTime: 45 minServes: 4Non-vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 500 g chicken, cut into small pieces
  • 3 tbsp rice, soaked 30 minutes and ground to a paste (onla)
  • 1 tbsp ginger, crushed
  • 3–4 green chillies, crushed
  • 2 cups seasonal greens or bamboo shoot (optional)
  • A little khardwi (alkali water) or a pinch of soda (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • 4 cups water

Method

  1. Boil the chicken with salt, ginger and chillies until nearly cooked.
  2. Add the greens or bamboo shoot, if using.
  3. Mix the rice paste with a little water and pour it in slowly, stirring all the time so it does not form lumps.
  4. Add the khardwi if using, and simmer until the curry is thick and creamy, about 10 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with rice.

History

Onla is one of the best-known dishes of the Bodo people, who cook with little oil and use rice paste to thicken their curries.

Significance

Onla is a comforting family dish and is cooked during Bwisagu and other Bodo festivals.

Sources