Why Cooking with Mustard Oil is Essential for Authentic Bengali Flavors

The use of mustards in culinary practices by humans is believed to be thousands of years old dating back to the Indus Valley civilisation. The mustard oil has an important place in Hindu rituals such as it is used in Bengali wedding rituals, puja offerings, and medicinal properties for healing. As Ayurveda mentions the oil has healing properties to treat illnesses such as colds, skin conditions, and respiratory issues. With a distinctive spicy flavour, this oil has been one of the main ingredients in Bengali cuisine. People nowadays have been switching to other cooking oils due to growing concerns regarding health-related issues.

A distinct flavour that gives a rich taste to Bengali cuisine

Extracted from black, yellow, or white seeds, the mustard oil gives a rich taste to any dish. Cooking with mustard oil has been an integral part of making Bengali dishes in every household in Bengal. Cooking Bengali cuisine with this distinctly flavoured oil brings out the best authentic flavours of Bengali food items. The richness in flavour of dishes is enhanced by adding mustard oil during cooking making a Bengali dish unique. Cooking with this oil enhances the taste and gives a distinct flavour to a dish that is typical of Bengali cuisine. Classic Bengali food items such as shorshe ilish and aloo posto cannot be done without adding mustard oil.

Healthy eating with mustard oil

Mustard oil has been known for its health benefits as the oil is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 which is important for decreasing inflammation and supporting brain health. The oil contains monounsaturated fats that have been crucial to reduce bad cholesterol and improve good cholesterol in the human body. The nonfish eater can fulfil their nutritional requirements of Omega 3 and 6 by consuming mustard oil in moderation. The topical use of mustard oil removes the issue of dry skin conditions like eczema and improves the texture of hair.

Connecting the past with the present

The preparation of food items can bring out the nostalgic memories of long ago old Bengali dishes by preparing these dishes in the kitchen. The distinctive flavour is going to bring out long-lost memories of homemade food by grandmother and mother. The preparation of authentic food items with oil is more than just cooking, cooking dishes with traditional ingredients acts like a bridge between past and present and helps in cultural transmission from the older generation to the present generation.

Used as a preservation in condiments

The oil has been used in making condiments for its preservation qualities. Authentic mustard oil prevents the growth of harmful bacteria making the oil best for the preservation of condiments adding a distinct flavour to pickles.

The ritualistic importance

The oil has a special place in Hindu rituals like puja, weddings, and rituals. A Bengali wedding is incomplete without mustard oil. On the morning of the wedding day, mustard oil with turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom's skin. This ritual symbolises purification and beautification of the bride and groom. The turmeric paste is made by grinding raw turmeric and mixing it with mustard oil giving it a golden glow. The application of this paste gives the newlyweds a golden glow on their wedding day. The oil has a special place in puja offerings, it is believed that lamps that are being lit with these oils are known to keep "doshas" out of the house and keep the house free from disease. The earthen lamps are lit up with these oils that give a distinct and strong glow.

Cooking with mustard oil: a useful tip for beginners

• Purchasing authentic mustard oil from authentic online stores for example kachi ghani mustard oil would be perfect for the start.
• The oil has a strong flavor, you will cook it up to the smoking point to mellow its flavor.
• Non-veg dishes go well with this oil. That is the oil compliments the nonveg dishes well.
• Use the oil as per preference for oil in dishes.

Traditional Bengali dishes that go well with the oil

• Shorshe ilish
• Aloo posto
• Labra
• Shukto

Labra (a classical vegetarian Bengali cuisine)

Labra is one of the classical Bengali dishes that is cooked in mustard oil without onion and garlic which is perfect for any vegetarians to taste Bengali dishes. One cannot think of Pujar bhog without labra and khichdi, the dish has been made during puja occasions since time immemorial. Made with seasonal vegetables and spices in a simmering mustard oil the dish is perfect for a complete pack to get healthy nutrients.

Ingredients:

• Cut seasonal vegetables 1 pumpkin, 1 sweet potato, 1 potato, 1 brinjal, 1/2 cup beet, radish, half cup beans, 1 cup spinach, 1/2 cabbage, 2- 3 green chillies or more as per taste
• 1 tsp panch phoron for tempering
• 2-3 tablespoons MonBangla kachi ghani mustard oil
• 1/2 spoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 spoon sugar ( to taste)
• Water as per need

Instructions:

Wash and cut the vegetables well with water, now heat mustard oil in a kadai until it reaches the smoking point. Now add panch foron and let it roast for a few seconds, add chilies and spices, and roast it for a few seconds. Add Vegetables by adding hard vegetables and stir well with spices and then after a few minutes add softer vegetables step by step. Add water and simmer it for a few minutes. Adjust the water and salt as per taste. After finishing, serve it with khichdi or steaming rice and mung daal.

Conclusion

Preparation of Bengali cuisine with mustard oil brings out the best authentic flavors of Bengali cuisine. The cooking with authentic mustard oil connects you with the rich cultural heritage of Bengal. Anyone can recreate Bengali dishes with the oil in their kitchen. Someone who is looking for authentic mustard oil can now collect it from MonBangla online shopping stores. MonBangla is Now providing authentic cold-pressed mustard oil. Now the product of MonBangla is also available in the US.