Delicious Durgo Pujo Dishes Made with Puress Mustard Oil: A Must-Have for Festive Feasts

Durgo Pujo is one of the most vibrant and joyous festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm, especially in West Bengal. From the grand decorations to the captivating cultural performances, every aspect of this celebration is filled with tradition and joy. However, nothing defines this festival quite like the delicious spread of food that brings families together during the festivities.

Pujo feasts are known for their rich and flavorful dishes, and the key ingredient in many of these recipes is mustard oil. The sharp, pungent taste of mustard oil, like Puress Mustard Oil, adds an authentic touch to traditional Bengali dishes. It’s a staple in many kitchens and an essential part of several iconic Pujo recipes.

In this blog, we’ll explore a few classic Durgo Pujo dishes made with Puress Mustard Oil, ensuring your festive table is both delicious and traditional.

1. Shorshe Ilish (Hilsa Fish in Mustard Sauce)

Shorshe Ilish is one of the most beloved and iconic dishes in Bengali cuisine. Made with hilsa fish, this recipe is a true celebration of the flavors of mustard. The pungency of Puress Mustard Oil paired with the rich mustard paste elevates the delicate taste of the fish, making it a showstopper on any Pujo menu.

 Ingredients:

- 4 pieces of fresh hilsa fish

- 2 tbsp Puress Mustard Oil

- 3 tbsp mustard seeds (soaked and blended into a paste)

- 2 green chilies (slit)

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- ½ tsp red chili powder (optional)

- Salt to taste

- Water as needed

 Instructions:

1. Wash and pat dry the hilsa fish pieces.
2. Heat Puress Mustard Oil in a pan until it begins to smoke slightly. This enhances the oil's flavor while reducing its sharpness.
3. Lower the heat, and gently add the fish pieces. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until slightly golden. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same oil, add the mustard paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well and add a bit of water to form a sauce.
5. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes. Add the fried fish and slit green chilies to the pan.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
7. Serve hot with steamed rice for a true Durgo Pujo feast.

2. Begun Bhaja (Crispy Fried Eggplant)

Begun Bhaja is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with rice and lentils. The crispy fried eggplant, soaked in a marinade of spices and cooked in Puress Mustard Oil, is a perfect side dish for the festive table.

 Ingredients:

- 2 large eggplants (cut into thick round slices)

- 3 tbsp Puress Mustard Oil

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- 1 tsp red chili powder

- Salt to taste

- A pinch of sugar

 Instructions:

1. Marinate the eggplant slices with turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
2. Heat Puress Mustard Oil in a pan until it smokes lightly.
3. Lower the heat and carefully place the marinated eggplant slices in the pan. Fry them on medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.
4. Serve Begun Bhaja hot with steamed rice and dal for a traditional Bengali meal.

3. Aloo Posto (Potato in Poppy Seed Paste)

Aloo Posto is a classic Bengali dish known for its subtle yet rich flavor. Potatoes are cooked in a creamy poppy seed paste with a generous dose of Puress Mustard Oil. It’s light, flavorful, and a favorite during Durgo Pujo meals.

 Ingredients:

- 4 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)

- 3 tbsp poppy seeds (soaked and blended into a smooth paste)

- 2 green chilies (slit)

- 2 tbsp Puress Mustard Oil

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- Salt to taste

 Instructions:

1. Heat Puress Mustard Oil in a pan and let it smoke slightly.
2. Add the cubed potatoes and sauté until lightly golden. Sprinkle turmeric powder and stir.
3. Add the poppy seed paste and green chilies. Stir to coat the potatoes with the paste.
4. Add salt and a little water, cover, and cook on low heat until the potatoes are tender.
5. Serve hot with steamed rice for a comforting meal.

4. Labra (Mixed Vegetable Curry)

Labra is a traditional Bengali mixed vegetable curry typically prepared during Durgo Pujo. This humble dish is cooked with a variety of seasonal vegetables and flavored with Puress Mustard Oil, making it a wholesome and delicious addition to the festive spread.

 Ingredients:

- 1 cup pumpkin (cubed)

- 1 cup sweet potato (cubed)

- 1 cup eggplant (cubed)

- 1 cup spinach leaves

- 1 tsp panch phoron (Bengali five-spice mix)

- 2 tbsp Puress Mustard Oil

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- 2 green chilies

- Salt to taste

- 1 tbsp grated coconut (optional)

 Instructions:

1. Heat Puress Mustard Oil in a large pan and let it smoke lightly.
2. Add the panch phoron and green chilies. Let them splutter.
3. Add the cubed vegetables, turmeric, and salt. Stir to coat the vegetables with the spices.
4. Cover the pan and cook the vegetables on low heat. Add a little water if needed.
5. Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the spinach leaves and let them wilt.
6. Garnish with grated coconut for an added layer of flavor and serve with hot luchis (Bengali deep-fried flatbreads).

5. Shorshe Bhindi (Okra in Mustard Sauce)

Shorshe Bhindi is a delightful vegetarian dish where okra is cooked in a tangy mustard sauce, similar to the preparation of Shorshe Ilish. The use of Puress Mustard Oil enhances the mustard flavor, making it a delightful side dish during Durgo Pujo.

 Ingredients:

- 250g okra (cut into 2-inch pieces)

- 2 tbsp Puress Mustard Oil

- 2 tbsp mustard seeds (soaked and blended into a paste)

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

- 2 green chilies (slit)

- Salt to taste

 Instructions:

1. Heat Puress Mustard Oil in a pan and let it smoke slightly.
2. Add the okra pieces and fry them until they start to turn golden.
3. Remove the okra from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same oil, add the mustard paste, turmeric powder, green chilies, and salt. Stir well.
5. Add a little water to the mustard sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
6. Add the fried okra back into the pan and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve with steamed rice for a simple yet flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts

Puress Mustard Oil is the perfect ingredient to bring out the authentic flavors of these Durgo Pujo dishes. Its bold and pungent taste adds depth to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian recipes, making your festive meals truly memorable. Whether you’re frying, sautéing, or making a rich mustard sauce, Puress Mustard Oil ensures your dishes are packed with flavor, just as they should be during Durgo Pujo!

Try these traditional recipes with Puress Mustard Oil this year, and let your Durgo Pujo feasts be as delicious as they are festive.