Top Bengali Dishes To Try in Durga Puja

09 Oct 2024

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What: A savory and flavorful rice-lentil dish offered as bhog (sacred food offering) to Goddess Durga. Why: This dish is central to the Puja celebrations and is often accompanied by fried vegetables and chutney.

Credit: Google

Bhog Khichuri

What: A classic Bengali fish dish made with hilsa (ilish) and a rich mustard sauce. Why: Hilsa is a favorite in Bengali cuisine, and the sharp, tangy mustard paste complements the delicate flavor of the fish perfectly.

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Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa in Mustard Sauce)

What: A slow-cooked, spicy, and rich mutton curry with caramelized onions, ginger, garlic, and yogurt. Why: This is a must-try dish for meat lovers, with its deep, flavorful gravy.

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Kosha Mangsho (Bengali Mutton Curry)

What: A thick, sweet, and mildly spiced lentil dish made from split Bengal gram, often flavored with coconut and raisins. Why: It's a traditional favorite that pairs well with luchis (Bengali fried bread) or rice.

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Cholar Dal (Bengal Gram Lentils)

What: Luchi is a deep-fried, puffed bread, often served with Aloo Dum, a spicy potato curry. Why: This is an iconic Durga Puja breakfast or snack, loved for its simplicity and flavor.

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Luchi and Aloo Dum

What: A fragrant Bengali-style rice dish cooked with ghee, cashews, raisins, and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. Why: It’s a perfect side dish for rich curries and is often part of festive meals during Durga Puja.

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Pulao

What: A light, spicy fish curry made with mustard oil, vegetables, and minimal spices. Why: Fish is central to Bengali cuisine, and Macher Jhol is a comforting, everyday dish that’s also served during Puja.

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Macher Jhol (Bengali Fish Curry)

What: A luxurious prawn curry cooked in creamy coconut milk and spices. Why: Its rich, smooth, and mildly sweet flavor is a crowd-pleaser during festive meals.

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Chingri Malai Curry

What: A traditional Bengali dessert, similar to crepes, filled with a mixture of coconut, jaggery, and khoya (dried milk solids). Why: Patishapta is a popular sweet during Durga Puja and is often made at home to mark the occasion.

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Patishapta

What: A delicate Bengali sweet made from chhena (Indian cottage cheese) and sugar, often flavored with cardamom, saffron, or pistachios. Why: It’s a light and melt-in-the-mouth dessert that Bengalis love during festivals.

Credit: Google

Sandesh