There are some traditional dishes what nobody can buy from the local restaurants. But those are delicious and people love those foods for years. Bengali bata (or bhorta) are such traditional dishes. Many Bengali people love those dishes. Though there may be some roadside hotels/stalls what are selling such traditional food along with the lunch/dinner menu. But many people avoid such roadside stalls due to hygiene issues. So it is the best idea to make those bata/bhorta at home and enjoy with a meal.
So are you interested to know those Bengali style bata (paste) or bhorta?
5 Bengali bata or bhorta dishes
It is a popular bhorta type Bengali dish. Almost every Bengali people love it a lot. But many people avoid it because it seems difficult to make because it needs traditional sil nora (handheld mortar pestle set) They are scared because that can be a cause of itchy throat if it is not cooked properly. But it is actually easy to cook if you make such dishes regularly. People living in rural Bengal are expert in making such dishes. Maan kochu plants are also a common plant in rural area across the Bengal.
Many people remove those leaves and throw those into the garbage bin. But whoever love fulkopi bata they would never do it. Many Bengali people love it so much. I also love this kind of bata. But nowadays it is very difficult to find fresh & healthy looking cauliflower leaves in the market. That is why last year I grew many cauliflower plants in my kitchen garden and prepared it several times throughout the winter season.
It is the most common Bengali bata (or bhorta) dish. Most people love it and make it at home. In January & February month, when coriander leaves are so cheap and many vegetable vendors start selling a bunch of coriander leaves for just Rs 5, sometimes they sell 3 bunches of coriander leaves for just Rs 10.
Many urban living Bengali might have forgotten this kharkol pata bata. But it is also a delicious Bengali style bata or bhorta. Many people who are living in a village or semi-urban areas often grow these plants in their backyard. It is very easy to grow, and it does not need any care. It will continue to give you plenty of kharkol leaves every year.
Bengali people living in West Bengal use posto (khus khus in Hindi or poppy seeds in English) in various dishes. They also make a paste of raw posto and add raw mustard oil, onion (chopped) & green chillies to prepare it. Though it is a simple dish but still it is very delicious as well as healthy too. Many people love it so much that they do not need anything else except kacha posto bata for their meal.
Leave a Reply