Mocha, known as the banana flower, holds a special place in Bengali cuisine. Known as a "superfood," this adaptable ingredient has been a mainstay in Bengali homes for many years. Dishes made from mocha have a number of nutritional advantages. Mocha is beneficial because of its high fibre, vitamin, and mineral content. Bengali cuisine has long used mocha to make a variety of delicious dishes. Mocha is a popular ingredient with earthy and lightly sweet flavours, but it requires careful cleaning and preparation.
Video Credit: YouTube | Roshni's Kitchen
Cooking with mocha is surprisingly simple once you get the hang of it. Though it seems intimidating at the very beginning, look at the Bengalis! They have used mocha in most of the dishes. These lesser-known recipes show Bengal's inventiveness in the kitchen as well as how this common ingredient can be transformed into fine dining options. Below are some authentic Bengali dishes that you can prepare using mocha.
Bengali Dishes You Can Prepare With Mocha
Mochar Ghonto
Mochar Ghonto is a quintessential Bengali dish that highlights the flavours of mocha in a rich, spiced curry. This vegetarian delicacy is made by cooking banana blossoms with potatoes, grated coconut, and a blend of spices. The dish is often garnished with ghee and gorom moshla (Bengali garam masala) for added aroma. The use of coconut adds a subtle sweetness, balancing the earthiness of the mocha. Some variations include small freshwater prawns, known as mocha chingri, for a non-vegetarian twist. Mochar Ghonto is best enjoyed with steamed rice and a side of dal, making it a wholesome and comforting meal.
Mochar Chop
Mochar Chop is a popular snack in Bengali cuisine, especially during the monsoon season. It is a deep-fried cutlet made from mashed banana flowers, potatoes, peanuts, and raisins, seasoned with Bhaja Moshla (a roasted spice blend). The mixture is shaped into cylindrical or oval chops, coated with breadcrumbs, and fried until golden brown. The outer layer is crispy, while the inside is soft and flavourful, making it a perfect tea-time snack. Mochar Chop is often served with kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce) or ketchup, adding a tangy contrast to the rich flavours of the chop.
Mochar Paturi
Mochar Paturi is a traditional dish from East Bengal, where banana flowers are marinated in a paste of mustard, coconut, and green chillies. The marinated mocha is then wrapped in banana leaves or gourd leaves and slow-roasted on a tawa (griddle) or in a pan. The roasting process infuses the mocha with the smoky flavour of the mustard and coconut, creating an aromatic and spicy dish. The addition of brinjal (eggplant) enhances the dish's texture, making it a delightful accompaniment to steaming hot rice.
Chaal Mocha
Chaal Mocha is a unique Bengali dish that combines banana flowers with fragrant rice, ghee, and spices. The mocha is cooked with Gobindobhog or basmati rice, along with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Raisins and cashew nuts are added to give the dish a rich and festive touch. The result is a luxurious, mildly spiced rice dish often served during special occasions or festive gatherings. Chaal Mocha pairs beautifully with a side of Bengali fried rice or Basanti polao.
Video Credit: YouTube | My Home Style Cooking
Mocha Chingri
Mocha Chingri is a beloved Bengali dish where banana flowers are cooked with shrimp and grated coconut in a spiced curry. Shrimp adds a rich umami flavour, complementing the earthy taste of the mocha. Potatoes are also added to the dish, absorbing the spices and enhancing the overall texture. Mocha Chingri is typically served with steamed rice, allowing the complex flavours of the dish to shine. This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a gourmet meal.
Video Credit: YouTube | Shampa's Kitchen
Mocha Dhokar Dalna
Mocha Dhokar Dalna is a unique dish that combines banana flowers with chholar daal (Bengal gram lentils) to create a rich, gingery curry. The mocha and daal mixture is shaped into diamond-shaped cakes, fried until golden brown, and then cooked in a spiced gravy. The dish is seasoned with Bengali garam masala and ghee, giving it a fragrant aroma and a rich taste. Mocha Dhokar Dalna is often served with steamed rice or Basanti polao, making it a perfect dish for festive occasions or family gatherings.
Video Credit: YouTube | Gita's Rannabanna
Mocha, or banana flower, is a versatile ingredient that holds a special place in Bengali cuisine. From the comforting Mochar Ghonto to the festive Chaal Mocha, each dish highlights this traditional ingredient's unique flavours and textures. These recipes showcase the creativity and culinary heritage of Bengal, transforming the humble banana flower into gourmet dishes that are both nourishing and delicious. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a main course, mocha dishes are evidence of the rich culinary traditions of Bengali cuisine.