In Bengal, winter is synonymous to celebration. With picnics, parties, Christmas and winter vacation, people in Bengal are on a festive mode during this time of the year. And what adds on to their delight is the spread of winter-special treats. It can't be denied that winter in Bengal is mellowed as compared to several other states in the country. But that doesn't keep the Bengalis away from enjoying the seasonal dishes. Known for being one of the connoisseurs in Indian food culture, Bengali cuisine never fails to surprise people with its flavours, aroma and versatility. During winters, every household is packed with pitha, sweets,notun gur (freshly made jaggery) and many other dishes that make the season an appetising affair. While these food items are easily available in the shops, people in a quintessential Bengali household prefer preparing them at home.
Here we handpicked some of the best winter-special dishes that will take your love for Bengali cuisine one step ahead. Let's take a look.
6 Bengali Winter Delicacies That You Just Can't Miss:
Koraishutir kochuri
This Bengali-style matar kachori - which is fluffy and crispy - makes for a perfect breakfast during then winters. It tastes the best when paired with spicy dum aloo or sada aloo'r torkari (Bengali-style aloo sabzi). Visit any Bengali sweet shop in the morning, you will find koraishutir kochuri being sold like hotcakes. And if you plan to prepare it at home, here's the to follow.
Phulkopir singara
Winter brings along some amazing vegetables to relish - cauliflower being one such example. Referred to as phulkopi in Bengali, it is widely used in the cuisine to whip up various recipes on a daily basis. But what stands out in the lot is phulkopir singara (or samosa). It is basically a spicy mix of cauliflower and potato, wrapped in a shell and deep-fried. The inclusion of cauliflower to the samosa adds unique flavour and texture to the dish and the season. So, if you visit Bengal during winters, stop by any shop in the evening and give hot and crispy phulkopir singara a try.
Nolen gurer mishti
Winters in Bengal and nolen gur go hand-in-hand. Nolen gur is basically jaggery made out of date palms that adds a strong aroma to every sweet dish during this season. These mishtis (sweets) are tender, soft and make a perfect treat for all. And the best part is you do not need to visit Bengal to enjoy nolen gurer mishti. Go to any Bengali sweet shop in your town and relish the sweet treat.
Nolen gur er payesh
Made with nolen gur (date palm jaggery) and gobindobhog chaal, this is a must-have in every Bengali household during the season. A bowl of nolen gur er payesh is flavourful and spells all things rich and good. If you are already slurping, here's the recipe for you to try.
Pitha
Pitha needs no separate introduction! One of the most popular food items in a Bengali spread, pitha is a sweet meat specially made during the winters. If you explore, you will find an extensive variety of pitha available across West Bengal. While ingredients are customised as per the pitha you make, but there are three elements that are a must in every pitha recipe. Those are - fresh gur, rice flour and coconut. Here's one of the most popular pitha recipe for you - it's called patishapta.
Joynagar er moa
Made with popped rice and nolen gur, this soft and sweet ladoo has created a buzz in the recent times, especially after receiving the GI Tag in 2015. It has a subtle sweetness and unique texture that makes the sweet treat stand out in the lot. You must give Joynagar er moa a try; we bet you did not have anything close to it!
That's all from our side; if you can think of any such winter delicacy, then do let us know in the comment section below. Always remember, the more the better!