Salina Parvin

Seafood is a healthful choice for people of all ages — growing children, pregnant women, active adults, and the elderly. It is an excellent source of lean, high quality, easily digested protein.

Durga, whose victory over Mahishasur symbolises victory of good over evil, will come and cleanse the earth of all sins; wipe out the tears of the less-fortunate and bring joy and happiness in the lives of all. What it also brings is a variety of mouth-watering dishes — sweet and sour, veg and non-veg, prepared throughout the ten days leading to Bijayadashami.

Palm juice or “taal er rosh” is the sweet sap extracted from the fruit of palm trees during summer. This is a symbolic and well-known food in Bengal. It contains vitamin A, B, C and the elements zinc, calcium, potassium, and iron. It also contains antioxidants.

Who does not enjoy biting into a crunchy cob of corn, roasted on an open fire and drizzled with butter and spices! A squeeze of lemon is must to boost the flavour of this yummy snack, as it helps to highlight the salty and spicy notes well, along with the subtle sweetness of the corn itself.

Eid is just around the corner, and there is only one thing on everyone’s mind right now; what is going to be on the table for the big day. If you are currently in this dilemma yourself, try out these delicious recipes yourself and really bring out a one-of-a-kind table spread.

Many people don’t know that small fishes are a rich source of important micronutrients including iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin A and D, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, as well as high quality protein.

KAJU PULAO (CASHEW PULAO)

With Eid fast approaching, you know you are in for a treat, as all the main dishes for lunch and dinner will be on form. But what about those moments in-between, when you do feel peckish, but can’t really handle the heavy main dishes?

The holy month of Ramadan brings with it a fresh wave of festive cheer. It is a time of self-reflection, to focus on the soul rather than the body and an opportunity to reconnect with our faith.

We all make normal lemonade but ever thought of adding cucumber to it? If no then try it now; the drink is so refreshing that if you try once, you will be hooked to it.

Fish is liked the world over. Aside for their mouth-watering taste, and variety in dishes, they are also an important source of protein and other nutrients. Over 32,000 species of fish have been identified, making them the most diverse group of vertebrates. However, only a small fraction of that number is commonly eaten by humans.

A simple and easy recipe of rice tossed with butter and salt, which tastes great with all kinds of meat, fish, daal, and vegetables. Although only a small amount is used, you can actually feel the rich, buttery taste of this preparation.

Winter offers a wide variety of seasonal goodies, and one such goody that you can add to your diet is jaggery (gur). Although it is hugely popular in South and Southeast Asia, many are unaware as to where jaggery is made of.

Pampering the newest member of the family starts with the mother-in-law treating the newly-wed groom with sherbet. This refreshing drink recipe has coconut water, the soothing texture of tender coconut meat, and the pleasant aroma of rose syrup.

Both the breast and the leg portions are well-exercised muscles with plentiful fat, which gives an additional richness that chicken and turkey just do not have. In addition, duck breasts are thinner, flatter, and blockier than other poultry breasts, and their wings are longer.

This is a delicious Bengali side dish, easy to rustle up, and goes well with rice. Sheem shorshe tastes heavenly when simmered in mustard paste until soft and tender.

Fruit skewers or kababs are made with fresh fruit that is thread onto wooden sticks and served as a dessert or a party appetiser.

Potol bhorta, a traditional Bengali recipe, is very quick and easy to prepare with few ingredients. It goes well with steamed rice or roti.

In Bengali culture, people often claim “payesh” to be the best dessert, especially if the occasion is a celebratory one, like birthdays, anniversaries, rice ceremonies or even baby showers.

How do different oils factor into a healthy diet? It all comes down to the types of fat found in the oil. Fat provides satiety and enjoyment to the food we eat, but it also serves nutritional benefits.