Authentic Bengali Dishes

Bengali cuisine (Bangali Ranna), originating from the Indian state of West Bengal and the country of Bangladesh, is known for its rich and diverse flavors, which are often a combination of sweet and spicy elements. Here are some classic authentic Bengali dishes and food items that are synonymous with Bengali cuisine.

1. Rice

Rice is a staple in Bengali cuisine and is typically served with almost every meal. The most common variety of rice used is fragrant Basmati or Gobindobhog rice. Popular rice preparation from the Bengali dishes includes:

A. Sada Bhaat   

Sada Bhaat or steamed rice is soft and fluppy rice. It is unflavoured so it compliments well with all the dishes served along any other Bengali dishes.

B. Basanti Polao

It is the sweet saffron rice yellowish in colour. It is sweet and aromatic. Lots of raisin, cashew, almond and pistachios are added to it.

2.Fish

Bengalis are famous for their love of fish. Fish is prepared in a variety of ways, including fish curry (maccher jhol), steamed fish (bhapa maach), and fried fish (maach bhaja). Some other Bengali fish dishes includes:

A. Shorshe Ilish

Hilsa (ilish) fish cooked in a mustard sauce(sorshe bata) is one of the signature dishes of Bengali cuisine.

B. Shutki Machh

Dried fish is a unique and strong-flavored ingredient used in various Bengali dishes.

C. Fish Kobiraji

Deep-fried fish fillets coated with a spiced, egg-based batter. It's known for its crispy outer layer and tender, flavorful fish on the inside. This mouthwatering starter is served with mustard sause(kasundi) and green salad.

D. Chingri Macher Malai Curry

 A creamy prawn curry cooked with coconut milk and spices.

E. Machher Jhol

A simple fish curry with vegetables, flavored with spices like turmeric and cumin seeds(jeere). 

3.Mutton Curry

Mutton curry is a popular dish made with tender pieces of goat or lamb, cooked in a flavorful gravy.

4.Dhokar Dalna

 A vegetarian dish made from lentil cakes cooked in a spicy gravy.

5.Luchi Alur Dom

Luchi are deep-fried, puffed bread, and Alur Dom is a spicy potato curry, often served together.

6.Aalu Posto

Potatoes cooked in a poppy seed paste, a popular vegetarian dish.

7.Bengali Sweets

Bengali sweets, often referred to as "Mishti" in the Bengali language, are a delightful and integral part of Bengali cuisine and culture. These sweets are renowned for their exquisite taste and intricate craftsmanship. Bengali sweets have their roots in the Indian state of West Bengal and the country of Bangladesh. They have a long and rich history, dating back centuries. Some popular sweets include sandesh, roshogolla, pantua, cham cham and many more.

A. Rosogolla

Soft, spongy cheese dumplings soaked in sugar syrup are a Bengali sweet delicacy.

B. Sandesh

Sandesh is a sweet made from fresh paneer (chhena) and flavored with cardamom or saffron.

C. Mishti Doi

Yoghurt made with milk and jaggery.

D. Bhapa Doi

A steamed yogurt dessert, often flavored with cardamom or saffron.

e. Pitha

Traditional rice cakes or dumplings made especially during winter festivals during harvesting season. Patishapta, Dudhpuli, Bhapa Pithe, Puli Pithe are some famous Pithas.

We have just given a few examples of the many delicious dishes you can find in Bengali cuisine. Bengali food is known for its use of mustard oil (sorsher tel), spices, and a balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it a unique and flavorful culinary tradition.