The culinary style of Bengal is diverse, especially when it comes to their main course. Moreover, they follow a multi-course tradition where the food is eaten in a specific order. The rice (being the staple food) is eaten with a variety of Bhaja (Vegetables fried in mustard oil) at first. Followed by Saag (Spinach fried in mustard oil and black cumin seeds). Then comes the Shukto, a mixture of vegetable prepared in a special spice called Paanch Phoron. Followed by Maach or Mangsho (Fish or Mutton/ Chicken curry). The meal ends with Chutney that is sweet and sour and mainly made of Tomatoes along with Kheer (Rice pudding) or any Bengali sweet.
Remember Kareena Kapoor in ‘3 Idiots’ describing Gujarati food as missiles? That is how I was introduced to this vibrantly delicious cuisine of the state of Gujarat. However,…