'All about Odisha's one of sweet delicacies 'Palua Ladu’ soon to be served as refreshment at official meetings

In a commendable move to promote Odisha’s culinary heritage, Bhadrak district administration has announced that the traditional sweet delicacy ‘Palua Ladu’ will now be served as part of the official refreshment menu at government meetings across the district.

The initiative aims to celebrate local culture while also boosting the visibility and demand for this beloved sweet.

Also Read: This tribal ‘superfood’ from Odisha has its own GI tag, sells for Rs 1000 per kg

A Cultural Symbol of Bhadrak

Palua Ladu is not just a sweet – it is an identity of Bhadrak's food culture. Made primarily from arrowroot flour (locally known as palua), this delicacy holds a special place in traditional Odia cuisine. It is often prepared during festivals, rituals, and family gatherings. 

The district administration has now taken steps to obtain a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Palua Ladu to further cement its cultural and regional significance.

“Securing the GI tag will safeguard the cultural and historical legacy of ‘Palua Ladu’ while providing Bhadrak a unique identity,” Bhadrak Collector Dilip Routray said.

Bhadrak Collector emphasised, “By incorporating Palua Ladu into our meeting refreshments, we can highlight Bhadrak’s rich culinary tradition while supporting the livelihoods of local producers.” The move also aligns with efforts to promote ‘Odia Asmita’, the pride in Odisha’s language, food, and culture.

Recipe of Palua Ladu

Palua Ladu is known for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and mild sweetness, making it a favourite across all age groups. Here's a basic recipe to understand how this delightful treat is made:

Ingredients:

• Palua (Arrowroot powder) – 1 cup

• Grated coconut (optional) – ½ cup

• Sugar or jaggery – ¾ cup

• Cardamom powder – ½ tsp

• Ghee (clarified butter) – 2-3 tbsp

• Water – as needed

• Dry fruits (optional) – cashew, raisins

Preparation:

• Heat ghee in a pan and roast the arrowroot powder lightly on a low flame until it turns aromatic.

• Add sugar or jaggery with a little water and cook until it dissolves completely to form a syrup.

• Mix in the roasted arrowroot gradually, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

• Add grated coconut and cardamom powder.

• Cook till the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.

• Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

• Grease your palms and shape the mixture into round balls (ladus).

• Garnish with chopped dry fruits if desired.

Also Read: Odisha’s unique 'Pala Baigana' seeks GI tag for its centuries-old legacy

Health Benefits of Palua 

While delicious, Palua Ladu also comes with several nutritional advantages:

Easily digestible – Ideal for children, elderly, and people with digestive issues.

Gluten-free – A great option for those with gluten intolerance.

Rich in carbohydrates – Provides quick energy, making it a great snack.

Soothing for the stomach – Arrowroot has properties that help ease diarrhoea and stomach irritations.

Low in fat – When prepared with minimal ghee, it can be a relatively light sweet.