Every cuisine has something that makes it unique. Every cuisine is supposed to cater to different people and their unique eating habits, which is what makes them so special, yet so different from each other. But there is one thing that is common about most of the authentic Indian cuisines is their reliance on a wide range of condiments and side dishes to elevate their main course. From chutneys to achaar to papad, so many wonderful dishes make up the true essence of all these cuisines. Today, we shall talk about one such amazing side dish, called bora in Bengali cuisine. It is not only extremely versatile and can be made with a variety of ingredients, bora is very delicious as a snack too. Let us look at 3 different bora recipes.
Posto Narkoler Bora
Combining the favourite spice of Bengali, posto with the rich taste of coconut, this bora is best enjoyed with some steaming hot bhaat, ghee and salt. Do not forget to munch on a spicy green chilli while eating this.
Ingredients
- 50gm posto or poppy seeds
- 50gm desiccated coconut
- Salt as required
- Mustard oil for frying
- 1 chopped onion
- 4-5 chopped green chillies
Method
- Mix 1 tbsp water in posto along with the chillies and grind it till it forms a thick paste.
- Add the coconut to the posto, along with salt.
- Finally, add chopped onions and your paste is ready.
- Take little portions of the paste and make into the shape of a small tikki.
- In a tawa, heat mustard oil.
- Put the boras on the pan.
- Cook till brown and crispy on both sides.
- Your posto narkoler bora is ready.
Paat Paatar Bora
Made from jute leaves, this unique bora is extremely delicious. It is not just another side dish to be had with rice, it makes for a great snack too. Try paat paatar bora with some kasundi on the side and enjoy. Here is the recipe.
Maachher Dimer Bora
A very unique dish, this bora is a hot favourite in Bengali households. Made with the eggs of fish, combined with besan, this bora is crispy but at the same time soft from the inside. Let u see how to make it.
Ingredients
- 100 gms fish eggs
- 3 tbsp besan
- Salt as required
- 1 tbsp red chilli powder
- Chopped green chillies
- Chopped onions
- Mustard oil for frying
Method
- In a bowl, mash the fish eggs till they form a thick paste.
- Add besan and mix till there are no lumps.
- Add the spices and the chopped onions and chillies.
- Now heat up oil in a wok.
- Take small portions of the egg and besan mix and out it in the oil.
- Fry till golden and crispy.
- Maachher dimer bora is ready.
These bora recipes are so easy and will definitely come handy if you are thinking of hosting your Bengali friends for a lavish lunch party. These dishes are certain to take them down the memory lanes. Happy cooking, everyone!