Bengali snacks offer a blend of flavors and traditions, from crispy fritters to sweet treats. Recipes like mixed lentil fritters, keema aloo singara, murir moa, and goja are staples at festive gatherings and afternoon tea sessions.
These snacks, whether paired with a hot cup of masala cha or a refreshing glass of salted lassi, evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and homely happiness. They remind us that simple joys can often be found in the kitchen!
Recipe for Mixed Lentil Fritters
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup red lentil (masoor dal)
– 1/4 cup yellow lentil (moong dal)
– 1/4 cup yellow lentil (khesari dal)
– 1/2 cup grated onions
– 4 green chillies, chopped
– 1 tsp chilli flakes
– 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
– Salt to taste
– Oil for deep frying
Method:
Soak the lentils for 5-6 hours, then blend into a coarse mixture. Mix with other ingredients, fry in batches until golden brown, and serve warm.
Recipe for Keema Aloo Singara
Ingredients:
– 500g beef/mutton mince
– 2 boiled potatoes, cubed
– 2 cups refined flour
– Various spices and seasonings
– Oil and ghee for frying
Method:
Cook the mince with spices, stuff into dough, shape into cones, and fry until crispy.
Recipe for Murir Moa
Ingredients:
– Puffed rice, jaggery, water
Method:
Roast puffed rice, melt jaggery, mix with rice, shape into balls, and serve.
Recipe for Goja
Ingredients:
– Flour, sugar, ghee, spices
– Oil for frying
Method:
Prepare dough, shape, fry, dip in sugar syrup, and enjoy.
Recipe for Lassi
Ingredients:
– Yogurt, salts, spices
Method:
Blend ingredients, garnish with mint, and serve chilled.
Recipe for Masala Cha
Ingredients:
– Tea powder, sugar, spices, milk
Method:
Boil tea with spices, add milk, simmer, strain, and serve hot.