Bengali cuisine

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Bengali cuisine is a style of food preparation originating from Bengal, a region in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent, which is now divided between Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal, Tripura and Assam's Barak Valley. With an emphasis on fish, vegetables and lentils served with rice as a staple diet, Bengali cuisine is known for its subtle (yet sometimes fiery) flavours, and its huge spread of confectioneries and desserts.

History[edit | edit source]

Bengali cuisine has its roots in the history of the Bengal region, with significant influences from the Mughal and British cuisines. The cuisine evolved under the rule of the Mughal Empire, which introduced cooking techniques like marinating and the use of heavy spices. The British influence came in the form of baked goods and confectioneries.

Ingredients[edit | edit source]

The staple food of Bengali cuisine is rice, with a wide variety of rice dishes available. Fish is also a major part of the cuisine, with many dishes featuring freshwater fish. Vegetables, lentils, and fruits are also commonly used in Bengali dishes.

Dishes[edit | edit source]

Bengali cuisine is known for its variety of dishes, from savoury to sweet. Some of the most popular dishes include Rasgulla, Sandesh, Mishti Doi, and Pantua. Savoury dishes include Panta bhat, Shorshe Ilish, and Chingri malai curry.

Festivals and Celebrations[edit | edit source]

Bengali cuisine is also closely tied to the region's festivals and celebrations. During Durga Puja, a major festival in Bengal, a variety of vegetarian dishes are prepared as offerings to the goddess Durga. During Eid ul-Fitr, a Muslim festival, special dishes like Biryani and Korma are prepared.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Bengali cuisine Resources
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