Lost and Rare Recipes of Bengal that are Perfect for the Festive Season

When you hear the word "Bengal", images of Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry, the iconic Howrah Bridge, or the sweetness of rosogolla and mishti doi may come to mind. While dishes like shorshe ilish (mustard hilsa) and mishti doi are well-known, Bengal has a treasure trove of forgotten recipes that quietly tell the story of its diverse culinary history. Let’s take you on a journey through Bengal’s lost and rare recipes, giving a peek into Bengal’s flavourful past.

A Glimpse into the Tagore Kitchen

The Tagore family, or Thakur Bari, played a significant role in preserving Bengali culinary traditions. One such rare dish is Rosuner Payesh (Garlic Kheer), a unique dessert from Pragyasundari Devi’s cookbook, Amish O Niramish Ahar. Rosuner Payesh merges the savoury garlic flavor with the sweetness of milk and sugar, showing how the Tagores weren’t afraid to experiment with bold, unusual ingredients. Despite being a Tagore favourite, the recipe has been forgotten over time, overshadowed by more modern sweets.

Komola Phulkopi: The Citrus Cauliflower Delight

Imagine the vibrant colours and flavours of Komola Phulkopi, where cauliflower meets the zest of oranges. This unique combination tantalises the taste buds with a balance of sweetness and zest, showcasing the versatility of Bengal’s culinary offerings. It exemplifies the ingenious ways in which Bengalis have utilized seasonal ingredients to create dishes that resonate with both nostalgia and innovation. Komola Phulkopi is rarely seen today, even though it perfectly represents Bengal’s adaptability in using local fresh produce.

Postor Bora: The Crunchy Snack of Tradition

Another beloved recipe is Postor Bora, a poppy seed fritter that is often prepared during festivals and family gatherings. Combining soaked poppy seeds, green chilies, and rice flour, these fritters are fried in mustard oil until crispy. Whether enjoyed as a snack or paired with rice and dal, Postor Bora carries the warmth of family traditions and the essence of home-cooked meals. Different families have their variations, some adding garlic and onion while others keep it simple, reflecting the diverse culinary practices within Bengali culture. Although it's popular in some households, Postor Bora is no longer as common in modern Bengali cuisine.

Shutki Shira: The Pungent Delight from Sylhet

Hailing from Sylhet, Shutki Shira is a bold, fermented fish stew made with dried fish, Naga chilies, and aromatic spices. Known for its strong flavour, it’s a dish that divides opinions—its pungent aroma and sharp taste may not appeal to everyone. However, Shutki Shira holds a special place in rural Sylheti homes, symbolising resourcefulness and tradition. Over time, this dish has faded from the limelight, mainly due to its overpowering aroma, but it remains a hidden treasure for those who appreciate rustic flavours.

Ilisher Ullash: A Forgotten Family Heirloom

Ilisher Ullash is a dish that echoes through the corridors of the Tagore household. This simple yet flavorful hilsa preparation features mustard, vinegar, and garlic, drizzled with mustard oil for a tangy burst of flavour. It was a regular feature on the family’s dining table during the early 1900s, cherished for its robust taste that stirred up memories of family gatherings and shared meals. Unfortunately, as culinary traditions evolve, such heirloom recipes risk being overshadowed by modern interpretations of Bengali cuisine.

Niramish Mangsho

Niramish Mangsho, or vegetarian mutton, is a unique dish originating from the Hindu ritual of Patha Boli (animal sacrifice) during Kali Puja. The meat is slow-cooked with minimal spices, ginger, and curd, without using onion or garlic—ingredients traditionally considered non-vegetarian. This dish is first offered to the goddess before being savoured by the devotees, capturing the spiritual significance tied to food in Bengali culture. Nowadays, animal sacrifice has become a very rare practice. And the simplicity of the recipe for niramish mangsho is fading away over time.