Winter in Bangladesh signifies three things; travelling across the country, badminton tournaments in every neighbourhood, and of course mouth-watering pithas to suit just about every palate. There are at least hundreds of different varieties of pithas. Some are associated with the harvest (Nabanna) in winter while some others are prepared on any grand occasions like weddings, Eid or Puja. Some are crunchy, some steamed and others delightfully soaked in sugar, molasses, milk or date palm syrup. Most of them are sweet, though there are some savoury pithas too for those of you who likes things spicy.

In this day and age, it’s very difficult to find time to do just about anything, meaning much less time in the kitchen, save for the weekends. But if the mood demands something scrumptious, lack of time is the last thing that will work as an excuse! These recipes are dedicated for those express situations where time is short but craving is not.

Tired of the usual fish dishes you see during every wedding? Why not change things up this time and include these fresh new recipes to make sure your, or your loved one’s holud is the one everyone remembers for years to come.

Jaggery is a type of unrefined sugar made from palm or sugar cane. It is used extensively in both sweet and savoury dishes across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. A dash of jaggery when added to vegetables like bitter gourd reduces the bitterness to a great extent. Jaggery is also used in the preparation of cakes, pithas, kheer, etc.

A typical Chakma luncheon is simple but nutritious. Traditionally, from blanched boiled vegetable dishes to herbed less-oily fish, and meat served with a plate of jhum cultivated steamed rice, the food choice of indigenous people of Chittagong Hill Tracts changes every season. We have more than a hundred varieties of seasonal vegetables and fruits that grow around the year all over the hills. From sweet fruits to sour veggies and bitter herbs to spicy chillies, all of the distinctive flavours of the different ingredients are found on our lunch platter.

There is only one thing on everyone’s mind right now -- what is going to be on the table throughout Eid? If you are currently in this dilemma, try out these delicious recipes and really bring out a one-of-a-kind table spread.

Nothing compares to having ice cream when it comes to picking a blissful dessert in order to beat the heat. Store bought ice creams are delicious, but why not take them up a notch by turning these store-bought delicacies into delectable desserts?

The local muskmelons that are available here may vary in taste and appearance from its foreign counterparts, but they are delicious

Bangladeshi summers are unmatched with any other — the blazing sun and scorching heat, and the constant humidity. Having a tropical monsoon climate, we are lucky enough to be bestowed with an abundance of coconuts.

We all start somewhere when it comes to cooking. For some, their very first attempt brings out delectable results, while for others, it can be a total disaster. Whatever the case may be, it is always a memorable experience. We are all amateurs at the beginning and pick things up as we go along.

While summer is here already, some of us may still crave a bowl of heart-warming soup.

Most would agree that salads by itself is a boring food. What’s interesting about munching plain vegetables anyway? Well, we should thank the creators of salad dressings to concoct an elixir that levels up all salad recipes.

FISH POLAO

Scoop the watermelon with an ice cream scooper. Put it in a food processor and grind it. Strain the juice.

This milk based dessert is a trendy one, as it is the modern version of our very own Shahi Tukra. Consisting of a dense milky shondesh, wrapped in a roll of bread that rests on a bed of thick,

AMRITSARI MACCHLI Ingredients

CHEATER’S SALTED CARAMEL BROWNIES

If food is at the heart of all celebrations, then what better way to do so then with a platter style buffet feast?

We all love a good takeaway but it’s not all just about pizza and fried chicken in the world of food delivery. From busy insurance brokers to workaholic parents to those who simply cannot be bothered to cook — Smartmeal can be a lifesaver!

Durga Puja is synonymous to celebration, none of which are complete without an elaborate table spread, with dishes ranging from the simplest ‘bhortas’ to the most delicious variety of fish.