“Esho hey baisakh esho esho…”. Poila Baisakh means Bengali new year but for Bengalis this day is an emotion mixed with dorning new clothes, performing cultural programs and indulging in the delicacies of Bengal.
Celebration is incomplete without food for Bengalis but Poila Baisakh is special as on this day some very special Poila Baisakh dishes grace the table whose roots are in the grandma’s kitchen. From breakfast to dinner each and every meal has a special dish with an authentic taste. The dishes made on Poila Baisakh might be made on any other day but the recipe varies.
For example, ‘Cholar Daal’ is not usually made with coconut shavings but while preparing this dish on Poila Baisakh coconut shavings are usually added to elevate the taste. In case if you are not a good cook and scared of spoiling the recipe then you can order it online from gintaa food. They have some of the best Bengali restaurants with specifically Poila Baisakh dishes on the menu.
Here are some of the most popular Poila Baisakh dishes:
Breakfast:
The day starts on Poila Baisakh with every bengalis favorite…
Luchi
This is the bengali form of poori; it pairs well with ‘cholar dal’ or ‘aloo er chochori’. This is one of the most common breakfast dishes in any Bengali household on Sunday but on the morning of Poila Baisakh this dish becomes an emotion for bengalis.
Aloo Dum
It is another recipe that just cannot be skipped while preparing Poila Baisakh dishes. As the name suggests it is a dish of potatoes in Bengali style gravy that goes well with luchi.
Lunch & Dinner
With breakfast being done, let’s move to the Poila Baisakh dishes for lunch and dinner. Poila Baisakh lunch is specifically for the family. Whole family sits together for lunch which is accompanied by laughter and nostalgia. While dinner can be with friends and family.
Basanti Pulao
This is one of the special Poila Baisakh dishes made usually during such special occasions. It is also known as ‘misti or mithe pulao’. With generous addition of raisins and cashew nuts makes this sweet-tasting rice one of the most delicious dishes for lunch. Paired with spicy curries makes this dish very attractive.
Chingri Malai Curry
This is among the iconic Poila Baisakh dishes from the Bengali cookbook. In this recipe river shrimp is cooked with mild spices and coconut milk for a rich flavorful curry. This dish tastes best with hot basmati rice.
Kosha Mangsho
This quintessential mutton recipe is added to the Bengali menu while preparing Poila Baisakh dishes. This recipe involves slow cooking goat meat over low flame. The flavor of mustard oil over powers the spices along with melt in the mouth mutton piece. Paired perfectly with rice, luchi or paratha.
Shorshe Ilish
A Bengali menu without fish is not a Bengali menu at all! Ilish, king of all fishes, though available for a limited time frame is an emotion for Bengalis mainly while preparing Poila Baisakh dishes for lunch. As the name suggests the flavor and taste of mustard overpowers the dish and it is very easy to make as well. Paired best with hot basmati rice.
Aloo Posto
Another dish which is more of an emotion for any Bengali. Potato made with poppy seeds in a semi gravy format served with rice and dal makes the perfect wholesome lunch which is easy and filling.
Snacks:
Beguni
Are you not a fan of brinjal or if you think that brinjal is among the most boring vegetables then you have not tasted the classic Bengali snack ‘Beguni’. This snack is very simple. All you need to do is cut long thin slices of brinjal, dip in a besan batter and deep fry. And your perfect snack is ready to be served with tea.
Jhalmuri
If you are a Bengali then you have definitely tasted ‘Jhalmuri’ as it is one of the most common snacks while binge watching movies at home. Even evening ‘adda’ is not complete without Jhalmuri. It is a perfect blend of puffed rice, with chopped onions, chillies and coconut with other simple ingredients.
Dessert:
The Bengali menu ends only after dessert. Because desserts are a part of Bengali’s important meal.
Payesh
It is a form of rice pudding made with ‘gobindo bhog’ rice and milk. A lot of dry fruits are added which enhances the taste making it the perfect end to a wholesome meal.
Sandesh
How can we miss out on sandesh while talking about Poila Baisakh dishes? A Bengali festival without sandesh is incomplete. Made with sweetened cottage cheese and flavored with cardamom or kesar makes it the perfect icing on a Poila Baisakh meal.
Rosogolla
Bengali’s are known for their love for Rosogolla. Everyone loves to dig into a bowl full of Rosogolla. These spongy cottage cheese balls dipped in syrup are simply irresistible. It also makes the perfect close to a wholesome Poila Baisakh meal.
Let’s Wrap Up
Food during any festival is always an emotion for Bengalis as food is not just food each and every recipe that makes it to the list of Poila Baisakh dishes has a memory attached to it. Every Bengali can narrate at least one memory from their childhood related to food.
Thus, authentic Bengali food is an emotion during Poila Baisakh or in any Bengali festival.
