Holi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. In the Bengali community though, this is known mainly as Dol Jatra, or more generally, Dol. Indeed, people celebrate this festival with colors, entertainment, and mouth-watering delicacies. In this concern, one of the best foods many Bengalis love during this period is Mishti Pulao.
It is a popular vegetarian rice dish that the Bengali Hindus eat with other food items. Not to mention, it is a healthy choice, and a filling but light meal in general. Accordingly, younger children and older people likewise love to have it during Holi. However, this is not a Holi-specific dish; many people try different varieties of this on other occasions.
What is Mishti Pulao?
Pulao is a form of rice food, made of Gobindobhog rice, vegetables, and edible oil. However, in Bengali culture, people prepare this vegetable food item with a hint of sweetness. Surely, it contains vegetables and spices, but the taste of this ‘pulao’ is sweeter than its other varieties.
Other side-dishes and rice dishes for Dol Jatra
To give relief to the taste-buds, Bengali people serve other food preparations with this dish. These include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, like ‘shukto’ and prawn curry respectively. Plus, they enjoy many kinds of sweets during this period as well, like ‘rabdi’ and chutney.
Some of these sweets are made of rice, in its ground form, and milk, with other spices and ingredients. While some people buy them from the shop, others make them freshly in their homes. Another rice dish that many Bengali families try during this period is the Muri-ghonto. This a non-vegetarian traditional Bengali dish that people make during special events. It contains Basmati or Gobindobhog rice cooked with the head of a big fish and many spices.
Cultural significance
The festival of Dol Jatra in Bengali tradition, or Holi in overall Hindu culture, is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Moreover, this festival occurs in other states like Assam and Orissa besides West Bengal.
Besides this reason, Bengalis celebrate this day as the birthday of Vaishnava saint, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as well. Moreover, they enjoy this festival with colors, good food, and puja. As a matter of fact, Mishti Pulao, and some other dishes, are offered in the puja as ‘bhog’ for the deity.
Nutritional Value
The dish of Mishti Pulao does have good health benefits, and it is easy to eat for many. Of course, there are many variations of this recipe available. But, Bengalis mainly use Gobindobhog rice or other short-grain varieties for the taste and aroma. This rice variety is easily digestible, is rich in good protein, and improves the natural balance in the human body.
They add basic spices like cardamom and cinnamon, low-fat ghee or edible oil, raisins, and nuts like cashew. These are rich in carbohydrates, protein, fibers, and many other minerals. Cashew, in particular, has a high amount of heart-health-improving fats and so does ghee or oil. As for the spices, they are soothing for the stomach, helps heart conditions, enhances digestion, and more.
Why Choose Us?
To prepare and enjoy tasty Bengali Mishti Pulao or other rice dishes during Dol, you need good-quality rice grains. Indeed, we provide the best-quality rice varieties that are good in taste, aroma, and more. Also, you would need different types of rice for different dishes. Luckily, you would find a lot of choices available here.
