Durga Puja is a sentiment, and every Bengali will relate to it. The five-day Shardiya festival is no less than a carnival. You get the opportunity to wear new clothes, jump from one pandal to another, and participate in cultural events as well as indulge in endless chatter and sinful indulgences. Like all Indian festivals, an essential part of the feast is Durga Puja. From roll shops on every corner of the street to the quintessential puchkas, food is an extremely important part of the puja season. Be it delicious mutton chops and fish cutlets or kosha mangosho, it is hard to say no to these dishes. And, we think it would be a crime if we don’t talk about the sweet (sandesh) part here. After all, it is an intrinsic part of the indulgence of the festival. Hungry, already?
Read also: Watch: How To Make Chicken Cutlets For Durga Puja Festival (Recipe Video Inside)
Well, apart from the endless gossip sessions and pandal visits, the Durga Puja festivities also tend to be sociable. Is there anything better than cooking Bengali food throughout the course and enjoying it with friends and family at home? We don’t think so. Here’s a detailed guide to preparing a full-course meal for the celebration.
starters
1. Fish Cutlets
Minced fish mixed with a range of spices, and cooked to perfection – golden brown – when served with green chutney becomes a perfect kick-starter for a hearty Bengali feast.
2.Radhabhallavi Masala
Radhabhallavi Masala is a humble and staple food. Kachori-like puris filled with spicy lentils (lentils) are served with aloo dum. It is definitely a treat for the taste buds.
3. Pickled Prawns
Prawns cooked with onions, chillies and some white wine are a delight for foodies. These spicy prawns are served with a sweet orange marmalade sauce.
main course
1. Bengali Doi Machi
This delicious fish curry will make you lick your fingers till 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 flavour.
2. Kosho Mangsho
Can we call this the best dish on the list already? The juicy mutton pieces are bound to win your heart.
3. Posto Chicken
This traditional Bengali chicken dish is a winner when it comes to taste. Quick, easy and hassle-free, posto chicken is a fusion of spices with tangy flavor.
4.Lucchi
Similar to poori, luchi is a fried flat bread that will go with all the curries in your feast.
5. Steamed Rice
With juicy mutton, delicious fish curry and posto chicken on your dinner table, it is clear that you must have rice. Here’s how to make Steamed Rice.
6. Basanti Pulao
Nothing can go wrong when you have Basanti Pulao on the table. The goodness of raisins and cashews rich in aromatic fragrance make it a must try this Durga Puja festival.
dessert
1. Payesh
Bengalis have given their touch to the traditional kheer and it is well worth it. With the flavor of cardamom, dry fruits and rose water, Payesh is a must during Durga Puja celebrations.
2. Message:
Believe it or not, it’s hard to say no to this dessert. Sandesh is a milk-sweetened, essentially sweetened chhena or paneer. It is a must on all festive occasions, and Durga Puja is no exception.
3. Rajbhog
Prepared from chhena and mixed with a mixture of dry fruits and saffron, Rajbhog resembles rasgulla but has a distinctive taste. Add it to your dessert platter, guilt-free.
Happy Durga Puja!