Post News Network
Baripada, August 18: The popularity of mudhi-mutton, an item of puffed rice and mutton curry well known to every household in Mayurbhanj district, is on the rise not only in the state but also in neighbouring states. In view of its increasing demand, the Union ministry of food processing industries is planning to boost its popularity at global level. Mudhi is one of the 12 items listed by the ministry for the purpose.
Mudhi has been a staple food in most parts of Mayurbhanj. Over the years, the delicious combination of mudhi and mutton has acquired a special place in the daily menu of people in the district.
History has it that when kings used to go on hunting expeditions, they usually took dry food. Mudhi was the most preferable item to be preserved for days. After hunting wild animals, the royals used to eat their meat with mudhi. Since those times, the item has become a favourite of people in both rural and urban areas.
Once made, mudhi can be preserved for two to three months altogether. With the growing demand, mudhi making has become a kind of cottage industry in the district. Mudhi making units have been running in almost every panchayat. These units churn out quintals of mudhi every day and it is supplied to hotels, eateries and even households.
In hotels and eateries here, mudhi is served with curries to customers. Apart from mudhi-mutton, items like aludum-mudhi and masala-mudhi are also popular among customers.
Local hoteliers say people from neighbouring states like West Bengal and Jharkhand demand mudhi-mutton when they visit the town. Jogeswar Behera, the owner of Garma Garam, a local hotel, says there is a special method to prepare mudhi-mutton.
“For last several years, I have been doing brisk business of mudhi-mutton. I have engaged some persons specialised in preparing the item. The effort by the government to make the item popular at a global level is great news.”