Poila Baisakh 2023: A Full Course Vegetarian Baisakh Thali

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Bengalis, known to be fine gourmets, love to plan a painstakingly elaborate full course traditional meal beforehand and go ahead with preparations in full steam on the day of Baisakh. Food and Bengal are synonymous with each other. The predominant feature of the new year is its elaborately laid table that looks inviting with its delectable set of food items.

People get into a cleaning spree on this day and begin the day on an auspicious note by taking a holy bath with Ganga Jal sprinkled in the bathing water. Preparing thalis for friends and loved ones, comes easy especially when backed with substantial experience. Some classic Bengali recipes that can be prepared at home, are enlisted here.

The full course Bengali meal with 9 recipes are presented here for your use.

Basanti Pulao: This special occasion dish is prepared with Turmeric soaked Gobindo Bhog rice that is mixed with Ginger and cashews and raisins liberally sprinkled on top. Soaking in Turmeric gives it a golden hue. The unmatched and heady fragrance of Gobindo Bhog takes like a slice from heaven especially with its generous sprinkles of cashews, raisins with a mild aroma of whole spices that feels so pleasant.

Luchi: A classic Luchi dish contains maida which is deep fried in ghee. It is also called by another name, which is Fulko Luchi, where in Fulko means puffed. Maida puri is what this is commonly called and it is deep fried in ghee. It is amazingly delicious but watch out on calories and think of your sugar levels before trying it out, if you are a diabetic.

Cholar Dal: Cholar dal is a side dish for Luchi puri. Made with Chana Dal, it is cooked with coconut, ginger, and spices. It is a very important festive dish that is seen compulsorily on the menu for this day. Normally it is consumed during Durga puja and other places in Bengal.

Begun Bhaja: Begun Bhaja, popularly known as Baingan Bhaja, are crisp aubergine fries which can be enjoyed as a snack, or as appetizer. Dust think slices of aubergine with rice flour and seasonings, pan fry it in mustard oil, and serve with dal rice or khichdi .

Shukto: Bengali Shukto is popular for this mild, stew packed with a variety of vegetables, especially potatoes, sweet potatoes, bitter gourd (korola), green bananas (kachkola), raw papaya. It is a collective term to denote curries. It is not a separate dish that bears the name of Shukto.

Kosha Mangsho: Kosha Mangsho is a mutton curry, that is prepared using onion, ginger, garlic, and spices. Consume it as a side dish with luchi, rice or pulao.

Sandesh: Sandesh is a Bengali sweet made with Chenna or paneer. It is sweet and moist in taste and hence ideally served as a dessert or snack. It is a lot easier to prepare this than the usual rasagolla or Gulab Jamun.

Mishti Doi: Mishti doi is so popular that you get it almost in all regions of India. It is a very famous Bengali dish that is made from sweet yogurt prepared with milk, sugar, and cultured curd. It is served in earthen pots usually. You can make variations over this recipe depending on your taste and the region you live in.