Durga Puja is an emotion, and every Bengali out there will relate to this. The five-day Sharadiya celebration is no less than a carnival. You can wear new clothes, jump from one slipper to another, and participate in cultural shows, along with endless chatter and guilty pleasures. Like all Indian festivals, festivals are an essential part of Durga Puja. From the roll shops on every street corner to the quintessential puchka, food is a hugely important part of the pujo season. Whether it’s delicious lamb chops and fish cutlets or kosha mangsho, it’s hard to say no to these delicacies. And, we thought it would be a crime if we didn’t talk about the sweets (sandesh) part here. After all, it is an intrinsic part of carnival passion. Hungry, already?
Also Read: Watch: How to Make Chicken Cutlets for Durga Puja (Recipe Video Inside)
Well, aside from the endless chatter and destructive visits, the Durag Puja festivals also mark reunions. What’s better than cooking a full Bengali meal and enjoying it with friends and family at home? We don’t think so. Here are detailed instructions on how to prepare a full meal for the big day.
Begin
1. Fish cutlet
Minced fish mixed with a range of spices, and cooked to perfection – golden brown – when served with green chutney makes a perfect appetizer for a hearty Bengali feast.
2.Radhabhallavi Masala
A humble and mostly Radhahallavi Masala food. Kachori-like pooris stuffed with spiced daal (pulse) are served with aloo dum. It is definitely a treat for the taste buds.
3. Spicy shrimp
Shrimp cooked with onions, peppers and a little white wine is a delight for foodies. These spicy shrimp are topped with a sweet marmalade sauce.
Main dishes
1. Bengali Doi Maach
This mouthwatering fish curry will have you licking your fingers at the end of your meal. The sour and spicy gravy is the best element. Make sure the fish is cooked through so that the flavors are evenly absorbed.
2. Kosho Mangsho
Can we call it the best dish on the list? The juicy lamb chops are sure to win your heart.
3. Chicken Posto
This traditional Bengali chicken delicacy is a winning dish when enjoyed. Quick, easy, and inexpensive, chicken posto is a flavorful condiment.
4.Lucchi
Very similar to poori, Luchi is a fried flatbread that will accompany all curries in your party.
5. White rice
With juicy lamb, delicious fish curry and chicken posto on your table, it’s obvious you need rice. Here is the recipe for making dumplings.
6. Basanti Pulao
Nothing can go wrong when you have Basanti Pulao on the table. The delicious taste of rich aroma with raisins and cashews makes it a must try during this Durga Puja festival.
Desserts
1. Payesh
Bengalis have brought their own touch to the traditional trumpet and it’s well deserved. With flavors of cardamom, dried fruit and rose water, Payesh is a must in the celebration of Durga Puja.
2. Sandesh
Agree or not, it’s hard to say no to this dessert. Sandesh is a sweetened chhena or cottage cheese that tastes as sweet as milk. It is a must on all festive occasions, and Durga Puja is no exception.
3. Rajbhog
Made with chenna and mixed with a mixture of dried fruit and saffron, Rajbhog resembles roshogolla but has a distinctive flavor. Include it on your dessert plate, no guilt.
Congratulations Durga Puja!
