The Bengali cuisine is famous for its wide range of dishes, which often include a variety of fish, vegetables, lentils and spices. The food culture in Bengal is diverse: while the average Bengali diet includes rice, wheat or finger millet flour-based breads, and pulses or beans like green gram and black gram, the cuisine has absorbed influences from Indian states, ASEAN nations, Central Asia and the British Raj that have ruled over the region.
Rice and Dal
Bengali cuisine is known for its rice and dal dishes. If you are new to Bengali cuisine, then you must try some of these dishes. Rice is the staple food in Bengali cuisine and is often cooked with Dal, a type of lentil. There are many different ways to cook rice and dal, so there are many different flavors to try. Some of the most popular rice and dal dishes include:
Dal Makhani: This dish is made with black lentils and kidney beans that are simmered in a creamy tomato sauce.
Matar Paneer: This dish is made with peas and cottage cheese in a tomato gravy.
Rajma Chawal: This dish is made with kidney beans in a spicy curry gravy served over rice.
Chana Masala: This dish is made with chickpeas in a spicy curry gravy.
These are just some of the many rice and dal dishes that you can try if you are new to Bengali cuisine. There are endless possibilities when it comes to these two ingredients, so be sure to explore all the different flavors that Bengali cuisine has to offer.
Kachuri
Kachuri is a Bengali dish that is often served as a snack or appetizer. It is made with a variety of ingredients, including flour, water, spices, and vegetables. The dish can be either fried or baked, and is typically served with a dipping sauce.
Paturi
Paturi is a Bengali dish that is made by coating a fish fillet in mustard paste and then wrapping it in a banana leaf before cooking. The banana leaf helps to infuse the fish with the flavors of the mustard paste, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and healthy.
Bangali Cholar Dalna
If you’re new to Bengali cuisine, then you definitely need to try cholar dalna. This dish is made with Bengal gram, also known as chickpeas, and is a popular vegan and vegetarian curry. The dish is often served with rice or roti, and is a delicious way to enjoy Bengal’s signature spices and flavors.
Aloo Bhaat
If you are new to Bengali cuisine, then you must try Aloo Bhaat. It is a simple dish of potato and rice, but it is so flavourful and delicious. The key to making this dish is to use good quality ingredients. Use Basmati rice for the best results.
Dhokar Dal
If you are new to Bengali cuisine, then you must try dhokar dal. This dish is made with chickpeas, potatoes, and spinach, and is served with rice or roti. It is a hearty and filling dish that is perfect for a winter meal.
Urad Dal Churma
If you are new to Bengali cuisine, there are some must-try dishes that you simply cannot miss out on. One of these is urad dal churma, a dish made with black lentils and spices. The lentils are first soaked and then ground into a paste, before being fried and tempered with spices. This dish is usually served with steamed rice and is absolutely delicious!
Conclusion
Bengali cuisine is definitely worth exploring, especially if you are a fan of fish and rice dishes. The next time you find yourself in a Bengali restaurant or cooking at home, be sure to try out some of these popular dishes. You won’t be disappointed!