An ardent foodie and a great poet, Rabindranath Tagore is a torchbearer in evolving the Indian culture. He was a frequent traveller and was fascinated by the diverse flavours of various cuisines. Being widely exposed to occidental and oriental cuisine, Tagore was a lover of fusion food. Every foreign expedition gave Tagore a new fondness of the regional cuisine of that particular place. Legend has it that he used to collect menu cards from every dinner he used to attend in different countries which were then tried in Thakurbari’s (Rabindranath Tagore’s residence) kitchen. The cooks of Thakurbari were putting in constant effort to satisfy Tagore’s fusion palate which lingered with idiosyncratic flavours. Tagore’s niece, Purnima Thakur compiled all the recipes which were exclusively created in the Thakurbari and made them into a book called ‘Thakurbarir Ranna’. However, the book doesn’t have specified quantities of any of the recipes as there was a huge competition between Tagore’s wives to cook the dishes to perfection. The quantities are kept a secret to date. Here are four dishes that were exclusively made in Thakurbari’s kitchen that you can make your way.
1.Keema’r Doi Bora
A twist in the regular doi bora or dahi vada by adding meatballs to them. Minced meatballs are deep-fried and are served with a yogurt mixture and topped with chutneys.
2.Mourala Macher Ambal
Mourala is a kind of small fish that is full of nutrients and unique flavours. This dish is made by cooking Mourala fish in a sour-spicy gravy with the flavour of tamarind.
3.Egg Chao Chao
Thakurbari’s version of the regular egg bhujia is cooked with typical Indian spices added to the dish in specific amounts. The eggs are cooked till they are almost red in colour and are served with luchi or roti and paratha.
4.Bhaater kofta
Deep-fried rice balls made with rice soaked in saffron milk, this dish is one of the famous signature dishes of Thakurbari. An amalgam of sweet and spicy flavours, Bhaater kofta is a must-try for people who love fusion flavours.
Rabindranath Tagore once said “Do not blame the food if you have no appetite”; this quotes highlights the poet’s love for food. A true foodie must try and cook his exclusive recipes which are a celebration of different flavours and textures.