Fish is and always will be an important part of Bengali culture.

The word 'kebab' is derived from an Arabic word 'cabob' which means 'to burn or char'. Most of the famous kebabs like galouti, shami, and kakori originated in the royal kitchens.

BIHARI DUM GOSHT Ingredients ½ kg beef fillet

Kachchi biriyani literally means ‘raw biriyani,’ and is also known as ‘kachchi yeqni’ as the unique feature of this preparation is that the raw meat and rice are cooked collectively in steam.

Rice is a staple in any kitchen and with many different types. It lends itself to a limitless number of recipes. Each type of rice has its own taste, texture and unique properties that work well with different cooking applications. And you can use that variety to your advantage by cooking up simply mouth-watering dishes this Eid.

Chilli peppers are the fruit of capsicum pepper plants, notable for their hot flavour. They are members of the nightshade family, related to bell peppers and tomatoes.

During the mango season, in summer, in our country, one can see at least two or three glass jars full of pickled raw mangoes maturing in the sun outside many homes. This typical mango pickle is most popular here.

Sunflower oil is an edible oil extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant; it is mild, medium yellow coloured and neutral or bland in taste. It also has a pleasant taste and resists developing off flavours.

People with diabetes often think they need to totally steer clear of desserts. But, the fact is that while it is important for diabetics to control their calorie and sugar intake, they can still have some aptly prepared desserts, occasionally, in limited quantities.

5:00 or 6:00 PM in the evening and you crave something to munch! You can eat it as is or along with delicious dips and sauces. A snack is a portion of food often smaller than a regular meal, generally eaten between meals. You can even serve them as starters or finger foods during a party or festival or along with a meal.

Nature seems to burst with joy at the arrival of the new season; the trees and plants adorned with leaves anew, with buds blossoming into blooms. The skies are a happy blue, inviting to the soul. The cool and refreshing south west wind begins to blow.

Some foods help in regulating your metabolism and keeping you active and energised through the day by warming your belly and providing comfort. Food that generally contains fat, protein and carbs takes time to digest and so produces heat in the body, which can keep you warm in winter.

Smoky flavour, burnt texture, charred finish, scorched surface, yet soft insides. Either grilled in large earthen oven, an open fire or on a special appliance – all these are known as barbecue.

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)