10 Bong Recipes That You Need To Try If You Haven't Yet

The vibrant streets, the aromatic food kiosks, those roadside addas and the romanticism in the air; West Bengal’s cultural vibrance is well represented in literature, politics, and most importantly their cuisine. Right from wholesome desserts, square meaty dishes, and lush vegetables, Bengali cuisine always has something for everyone. With the paradoxical combination of subtle aromas and spicy flavours, Bengali dishes sound despite sounding exotic and complicated are very simple, and once again, to help you find yourself the best of the best dishes to gorge on, we’re here with our new list, so read on!

1. Aam Pora Shorbot

Picture Credits: thand_rakh_te_lassi_peee

This drink is prepared using chilled water, charred mangoes, and sugar syrup. Aam Shorbot is a summer delight that will quench your thirst and satisfy your soul. This drink will act as a coolant for the unbearably hot and humid weather and is sure to quench your thirst and soul. Extremely easy to make, it involves burning the mango which lends the drink a smoky flavour. Then the mango pulp is used, alongside sugar (or sugar syrup) to make a nice pitcher of aam shorbot.

2. Jhal Muri

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Jhalmuri is somewhat similar to bhelpuri in its condiments; with the use of puffed rice it is quite a light and savoury snack, making it a perf munchie for those tea-stall hangouts with friends. Muri or puffed rice along with roasted lentils and coconut chunks are tossed in spicy chutney along with mustard oil, and fresh-cut onions. This super easy dish will come in handy for those late-night cravings or when you run out of snacks and want a quick and ‘chatpata’ fix, jhal muri is always to rescue.

3. Kathi Roll

Picture Credits: foodography_mumbai

Born in the Nizam restaurant of Kolkata, who knew kathi rolls would become such a hit? It’s said that apparently this snack was borne out of convenience for the Company men who didn’t want to touch the seekh kebabs. It was thought that wrapping a paratha around the kebab would increase its ease of eating and a lot of people today would agree! This dish is a total crowd-pleaser and is prepared by filling flaky egg-based parathas with chunks of meat or veggies and onions, topped with sauces and spices.

4. Chop

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The British influence in the Bengali cuisine is visible with their chops or cutlets. Chops became famous and eventually a common street food. Your guests would be wow-ed by this palatable and fried snack and the special kasundi chutney it is served with. Much like pakodas, chops are coated with bread crumbs and are deep-fried. The range in a variety of chops is a lot so it’s safe to say that there’ll always be something for everyone.

5. Keema Samosa

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One can never go wrong with a Keema Samosa. Jazz up your festive menu by trying this inviting appetizer. The preparation is quite similar to that of Aloo Samosa, famous in the north of India. The crispy outside is prepared using maida, ghee, and cumin seeds. The heart of this dish lies in its filling of minced meat or keema and peas. To give flavour usually pepper, chaat masala, and lemon juice is used. Enjoy the monsoon rains with a cup of tea and keema samosa.

6. Aaloo Posto

Picture Credits: onewholesomemeal

If you want to impress people with your culinary skills, try your hand at Aloo Posto. The ingredients might seem a little daunting but the process of cooking is actually very simple. This dish makes use of potatoes, pointed gourd or parwal and posto, well-known as khus khus or poppy seeds. Although some recipes might incorporate coconut puree, this dish in any version is an absolute Bengali favourite and we’re sure it’s soon gonna make it to your favourites also.

7. Baigun Bhajja

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Baigun Bhajja would serve as the perfect side dish. Its taste isn’t too overpowering to steal the light from your main dish and yet everyone would praise it incessantly. Hearing fried eggplant doesn’t exactly fire up our taste buds. However, the moment you tuck into it, you’ll find yourself salivating like a dog. Brinjal fried in mustard oil and spices gives it a distinct aroma. It tastes well as is, and even more so if accompanied by puris or luchi, the colloquial Bengali derivative.

8. Macher Jhol

Picture Credits: rimleed

We wouldn’t dare commit a sin by talking about Bengali cuisine and not mention macher jhol. Seafood is an important part of the Bengali diet with fish dominating the staple meals. It is used as a fried snack or maach-bhaat main course. Invite over your friends if they have a fancy for seafood and delight them with macher jhol. It is a fish curry with a predominant flavour of mustard and seasoning of garlic, onions, and grated ginger. You got to try this classic dish.

9. Mishti Doi

Picture Credits: Mishti Doi

Sorry for generalizing, but dahi or yoghurt is found in fridges of Indian households at all times. With a lot of fancy flavours popping in, people have started buying premade Mishti Doi. Originating from Bengal, Mishti Doi has now gained popularity across India. Why buy it when you can make it fresh and easily at home? For its preparation, milk, dahi, and jaggery is used. It is literally sweetened yoghurt served as a sweet dish. Keep your probiotic intake in check by working out this easy-peasy recipe.

10. Patishapta

Picture Credits: abhik_banerjeee

If you are fond of crepes, you’d definitely take a liking to patishapta. This unique Bengali sweet is kind of like an Indianised crepe in its texture. You might have to go the extra mile to prepare this festive sweet-dish, but we assure you, it is worth all the effort. The batter is made of powdered rice which is then filled and rolled with a mixture of dried coconut powder, sugar or jaggery, and khoya. The mild taste of this dish will appeal to even those who don’t have a sweet tooth, making it a absolute hit with each and everyone!

We’ll be waiting for you to try these recipes out and upload some insta-aesthetic pictures now. Don’t forget to tag us!