“Machh-e-bhat-e-bangali”- which means “Bengali by Fish and Rice”, the Bangladeshis are known by this title. Bengalis not only eat fish curry, but they also eat dry fish by making different kinds of “Bhortas”. “Bhortas” are the ultimate comfort food for Bangladeshi people and the recipe for bhortas are very easy to make. “Bhortas” are served with rice basically and it is also one kind of traditional food in Bangladesh. Every kind of bhorta is delicious, spicy and flavorful with mustard oil, onions, garlic, chillies and lemon juice.
- Bangladesh has many types of bhorta or mashes. As we have already seen some popular bhortas in our last edition, we will look at some new delicious “bhortas” now.
Taki Machh bhorta (Mashed Snakehead Murrel)
Fishes are filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2. They are rich in minerals and a great source of calcium. Eating fish has many health benefits. “Taki machh bhorta” or “Mashed snakehead murrel” is very famous for its own unique taste. It is made with garlic, chillies, mustard oil and onions. It is popular in every region of Bangladesh. A meal with “Taki Machh Bhorta” is a win-win for every Bengali people.
Kacha Tomato-Shutki Bhorta (Mashed Tomato Dry Fish)
Tomatoes are enriched with antioxidants and a great source of vitamin c, potassium and vitamin K as well. Tomato is a popular ingredient in Bangladesh when it comes to cooking any kind of curry. It goes really well to make any kind of “bhortas” as well. “Kacha tomato-shutki bhorta” is an easy dish to make and serve along with rice and lentil soup. Bengalis are very fond of “Kacha Tomato-shutki bhorta” or “Mashed Tomato-Dry fish” as the flavour is mouthwatering.
Chingri Bhorta (Mashed Shrimp)
It is very difficult to find someone who does not like shrimp. Shrimp has many health benefits as it is enriched with minerals, proteins and omega-3 fatty acids. The taste of shrimp is flavorful and it goes along with every vegetable. “Chingri Bhorta” is a very popular dish in every household. It is made with mustard oil, fried or freshly chopped onions, and chillies. “Chingri bhorta” with rice, vegetable curry and lentil soup is a great combination and a famous meal among the people of Bangladesh.
Kalojira or Kalonji Bhorta (Mashed Nigella Seeds)
“Kalojira” or “Kalonji” also known as “Nigella Seeds”, is famous in the world for its immense health benefits. It has antioxidants, it helps to lower cholesterol, it also has cancer-fighting properties. People who are health conscious are impressed with “Kalojira Bhorta” or “Mashed Nigella Seeds”. The taste of “Kalojira” or “Kalonji” is bitter. To make it delicious Bengali people mashed it with mustard oil, chillies, onions and cilantro as well. It is eaten with rice and other curries.
Kanthal Bichi-Chingri Bhorta (Mashed Jackfruit seeds & Shrimp)
Jackfruit seeds are edible and nutritious as well. People are very fond of jackfruit seeds as they are tasty and enriched with fibre and vitamin B complex. To make this more flavorful, the Bengali people add shrimp and mashed it with onions, mustard oil, chillies and garlics. The nutrition of jackfruit seeds and shrimp is very high. People serve “Kanthal Bichir-chingri bhorta” or “Mashed Jackfruit seeds & shrimp” with rice as a complete meal.
These mashed combinations of different flavours of spices bring water to every Bengali people. These “bhortas” are now famous worldwide. People who are crazy about flavours, and tastes, want a complete meal they know what “bhortas” can bring in a meal. For a true Bengali a meal without “bhorta” is an incomplete meal. The flavours are now reaching out to every corner of the world.
