Celebrating Dussehra with Flavorful Dishes: Cooking with 100% Pure and Natural Mustard Oil

Dussehra, the festival that marks the triumph of good over evil, is a time for joyous celebrations and, of course, delicious food. This year, let's explore the rich, aromatic world of cooking with 100% pure and natural mustard oil. Known for its pungent flavor and numerous health benefits, mustard oil has been a staple in Indian kitchens for centuries. In this blog, we'll dive into five mouthwatering dishes that you can prepare for your Dussehra feast, all enhanced by the unique taste of mustard oil.

The Magic of Mustard Oil

Before we get to the recipes, let's talk about why mustard oil is such a prized ingredient:

1. Rich in nutrients: Mustard oil is packed with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Antibacterial properties: It has natural antibacterial qualities, making it excellent for pickling and preservation.
3. High smoke point: This makes it ideal for deep frying and high-heat cooking.
4. Distinctive flavor: Its sharp, pungent taste adds depth to many dishes.
5. Traditional use: It's been used in Ayurvedic practices and traditional Indian cooking for centuries.

Now, let's explore some delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of mustard oil.

1. Sarson Ka Saag with Makki Ki Roti

This classic North Indian dish is a perfect representation of mustard's versatility – we use mustard greens in the saag and mustard oil in the preparation.

Ingredients:

- 500g mustard greens, chopped

- 250g spinach, chopped

- 2 onions, finely chopped

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 2 green chilies, chopped

- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

- 3 tbsp mustard oil

- Salt to taste

- For Makki Ki Roti: 2 cups cornmeal, water as needed, salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the mustard greens and spinach until tender. Drain and puree.
2. Heat mustard oil in a pan. Add onions and sauté until golden.
3. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes are mushy.
4. Add the pureed greens and salt. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. For the roti, knead cornmeal with water and salt. Make small rotis and cook on a hot tawa.

Serve the hot saag with makki ki roti and a dollop of butter for a true Punjabi experience.

2. Bengali-style Fish Fry

Mustard oil is a key ingredient in Bengali cuisine, particularly in fish preparations.

Ingredients:

- 500g fish steaks (preferably Rohu or Catla)

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- 1 tsp red chili powder

- Salt to taste

- Mustard oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate the fish with turmeric, chili powder, and salt for 30 minutes.
2. Heat mustard oil in a pan until it starts smoking slightly.
3. Gently place the marinated fish steaks in the oil.
4. Fry until golden brown on both sides.
5. Drain on paper towels and serve hot with sliced onions and green chilies.

The mustard oil imparts a unique flavor to the fish, making it a standout dish for your Dussehra menu.

3. Achari Aloo

This tangy, spicy potato dish is a testament to mustard oil's pickling heritage.

Ingredients:

- 500g baby potatoes, boiled and peeled

- 3 tbsp mustard oil

- 1 tsp cumin seeds

- 1 tsp fennel seeds

- 1 tsp nigella seeds

- 1 tsp fenugreek seeds

- 1 tsp mustard seeds

- 2 dried red chilies

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- 1 tsp red chili powder

- 2 tbsp mango pickle masala

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat mustard oil in a pan. Add all the seeds and dried red chilies.
2. When they start to splutter, add the potatoes, turmeric, and red chili powder.
3. Fry for 5-7 minutes until the potatoes are golden.
4. Add the mango pickle masala and salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

The result is a burst of flavors that perfectly complements any Dussehra thali.

4. Mustard Oil Chicken Curry

This recipe gives a mustard oil twist to the classic chicken curry.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces

- 4 tbsp mustard oil

- 2 onions, finely chopped

- 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

- 2 tomatoes, pureed

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- 1 tsp red chili powder

- 1 tsp garam masala

- 1 cup yogurt

- Salt to taste

- Coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat mustard oil in a large pan. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for 2 minutes.
3. Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
4. Add chicken pieces and cook until they turn white.
5. Stir in yogurt and 1 cup of water. Simmer until chicken is cooked and gravy thickens.
6. Sprinkle garam masala and garnish with coriander leaves.

The mustard oil adds a depth of flavor that elevates this curry to festive status.

5. Mustard Oil Tadka Dal

No Indian meal is complete without dal, and this version with a mustard oil tadka is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup toor dal (pigeon pea lentils)

- 3 tbsp mustard oil

- 1 tsp cumin seeds

- 2 dried red chilies

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 1 tomato, chopped

- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

- Salt to taste

- Coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook toor dal with turmeric and salt until soft.
2. In a separate pan, heat mustard oil. Add cumin seeds and dried red chilies.
3. When they splutter, add garlic and onions. Sauté until golden.
4. Add tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
5. Pour this tadka over the cooked dal. Mix well.
6. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

The mustard oil tadka gives this everyday dal a festive touch, perfect for your Dussehra celebration.

Cooking Tips for Using Mustard Oil

1. Smoking the oil: Always heat mustard oil until it just starts to smoke before cooking. This reduces its pungency and brings out its best flavors.
2. Quantity matters: Mustard oil has a strong flavor, so use it judiciously. You can always mix it with a neutral oil to temper its strength.
3. Marination magic: Mustard oil is excellent for marinating meats and fish. It tenderizes the protein and imparts a wonderful flavor.
4. Cool it down: For salad dressings or chutneys, use raw mustard oil for a sharp, pungent kick.

Health Benefits of Mustard Oil

While enjoying these delicious dishes, you can also appreciate the health benefits of mustard oil:

1. Heart health: Rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, it may help lower bad cholesterol levels.
2. Anti-inflammatory: It contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Digestive aid: Mustard oil can stimulate digestive juices, potentially aiding digestion.
4. Skin and hair care: When used externally, it can promote healthy skin and hair due to its vitamin E content.

Celebrating Dussehra with Mindful Eating

As we celebrate the victory of good over evil this Dussehra, let's also celebrate the goodness of traditional ingredients like mustard oil. By incorporating these recipes into your festive menu, you're not just treating your taste buds, but also embracing a piece of India's culinary heritage.

Remember, while mustard oil is flavorful and has potential health benefits, it should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet. These recipes offer a way to enjoy its unique taste and reap its benefits while indulging in the festive spirit of Dussehra.

So, fire up your stoves, let the pungent aroma of mustard oil fill your kitchen, and create a Dussehra feast that's both delicious and steeped in tradition. Happy cooking and Happy Dussehra!