Durga Puja is an emotion, and every Bengali out there will relate to this. The five-day-long Sharadiya celebration is no less than a carnival. You get to wear new clothes, hop from one pandal to another, and participate in cultural programs, along with endless chatter and sinful indulgences. Like all Indian festivals, feasting is an essential part of Durga Puja. From roll shops at every corner of the road to the quintessential puchka, food is an extremely important part of the pujo season. Be it delectable mutton chops and fish cutlets or kosha mangsho, it is hard to say no to these delicacies. And, we think it would be a crime if we don't talk about the sweets (sandesh) part here. After all, it is an intrinsic part of the festive indulgence. Hungry, already?
Also Read: Watch: How To Make Chicken Cutlet For Durga Puja Feast (Recipe Video Inside)
Well, apart from the endless gossip session and pandal visits, Durag Puja festivities also mark get-togethers. Is there anything better than cooking a full-course Bengali meal and relishing it with friends and family at home? We don't think so. Here is a detailed guide to preparing a full-course meal for the festivity.
Starters
1. Fish Cutlet
Minced fish mixed with an array of spices, and cooked to perfection - golden brown - when served with green chutney make for a perfect kick-starter to a hearty Bengali feast.
2.Radhabhallavi Masala
A humble and staple food is Radhabhallavi Masala. Kachori-like pooris stuffed with spiced daal (pulses) are served with aloo dum. It surely is a treat to the taste buds.
3. Spicy Prawns
Prawns cooked with onions, chilli and some white wine are a delight for foodies. These spicy prawns are plated with sweet orange marmalade sauce.
Main Course
1. Bengali Doi Maach
This lip-smacking delicious fish curry will leave you licking your fingers by the end of the meal. The spicy and sour gravy is the showstopper. Make sure the fish pieces are tender and soft so that they absorb the flavours.
2. Kosho Mangsho
Can we call it the best dish on the list, already? The juicy mutton pieces are bound to win your heart.
3. Posto Chicken
This traditional Bengali chicken delicacy is a winner when it comes to taste. Quick, easy and fuss-free, posto chicken is a riot of spices with a nutty taste.
4.Lucchi
Very similar to poori, Luchi is a fried flatbread which will go with all the curries in your feast spread.
5. Steamed Rice
With juicy mutton, delicious fish curry, and posto chicken on your dinner table, it is obvious you need to have rice. Here is the recipe to prepare steamed rice.
6. Basanti Pulao
Nothing can go wrong when you have Basanti Pulao on the table. The goodness of fragrant rich loaded with raisins and cashew makes it a must-try this Durga Puja festivities.
Dessert
1. Payesh
Bengalis have given their own touch to the traditional kheer and it is worth it. With flavours of cardamom, dry fruits and rose water, Payesh is a must during Durga Puja celebrations.
2. Sandesh
Agree or not, it is hard to say no to this dessert. Sandesh is a milk-sweet, essentially sweetened chhena or cottage cheese. It is a must on all festive occasions, and Durga Puja is no exception.
3. Rajbhog
Prepared with chenna and mixed with a mixture of dry fruits and saffron, Rajbhog resembles roshogolla but has its distinctive taste. Include it on your dessert platter, guilt-free.
Happy Durga Puja!