Ask any Bengali and they will tell you about their mixed emotions on celebrating the Durga Pujo of 2020 so differently. For most Bengalis, this year would probably be the first time in their life that they won’t be doing Pandal-hopping and Debi Darshan. There is less excitement in pujo shopping this year, as […]
What is for lunch? I ask Ma on my way back home from school. Today is Niraamish, Ma says with a smile. No Chicken or Mutton? Not even fish or egg for lunch today? I frown and ask, swaying the strap of my water bottle in circular motion. But don’t we eat your sister […]
Shojne Pata er Borar Jhol is another Bengali dish from the Bengali kitchens of yore, which definitely needs some limelight. This traditional Bengali dish called Shojne Pata er Borar Jhol or Bengali Style Broth with Moringa Leaf Fritters is an almost forgotten Bengali dish that has humble origins but is so flavourful that it […]
If you are on a soup spree, this New-Age Bengali Macher Jhol will give you a novel soup recipe out of a very traditional Bengali dish. It’s no secret that Bengalis love their Macher Jhol (fish in broth) and even I am going to accept this with pride. A simple, light Macher Jhol is hands […]
Chingri Macher Malai Curry (Bengali prawn curry with coconut). Undoubtedly, Chingri Macher Malai Curry or Chingri Malai Curry is among one of my favourite Bengali dishes. A curry cooked with Chingri Mach (a common Bengali term used for lobsters, prawns or shrimps) is generally a part of the Bengali menu, especially on occasions such as […]
Poori/Puri/Luchi: Indian Puffed Bread. Poori, puri or luchi are Indian names for puffed deep-fried breads made with whole-wheat atta(flour) or maida (refined flour). This is a very delicate bread and it is soft, yet chewy. If fried in fresh oil and if the dough is kneaded properly, every poori is expected to rise and puff […]
Bengali Muri Ghonto MURI GHONTO is an authentic fish dish for a Bengali. Being a Bengali, I have always loved fish and Muri Ghonto is among my favourite fish dishes. We grew up eating fish (maach in Bengali) almost everyday. Fish, meat and eggs (also onion and garlic) were only restricted on Thursdays due to […]
To those who are not very familiar with Indian cuisine, let me tell you that in India, many prefer to eat vegetables, rather than fish (or even meat or egg), on a regular basis. A huge percentage of Indians are vegetarians or shuddha shakahari. But, I am from West Bengal (Kolkata): the part of India […]
You might have heard of strawberry jam, but not much of citrusy strawberry chutney, isn’t it? Even I hadn’t, until I determined to make my own strawberry chutney. Strawberries are sweet and sour and so, I think, they qualify quite well for chutney (rule of thumb: fruits with a sour note make great chutneys)! Oh, […]
Hello friends! I am back in Hong Kong, refreshed and rejuvenated after a two-week trip to India. We went to Mysore, along with my mother-in-law and sister-in-law’s family. Mysore is an incredible place and no one can stop admiring the intricate craftsmanship of the Mysore palace, Chamundi temple and Tipu Sultan’s summer palace and mausoleum, […]