Indian cuisine is as versatile as its culture – all thanks to the countless number of dishes every region and sub-region offers. While some recipes get global acclamation, others remain not much explored. One such recipe is Bengali-style kalonji bharta. Locally called kalojeera bharta (as we call nigella seeds in Bengali), it is a popular side dish in a quintessential Bengali household. Kalonji bharta is basically a mish-mash of toasted nigella seeds, onion, garlic, chillies and salt. It also includes a generous amount of mustard oil that brings out a rich and strong flavour from the dish. Kalonji bharta is best enjoyed when paired with steamed rice (during lunch).

Besides being a flavourful side-dish, Kalonji bharta is also known as a popular palate cleanser. Bengalis often prepare it to bring back taste in the mouth after suffering from fever. However, you can prepare it anytime you want and enjoy a burst of flavours in your palate.

Traditionally, this recipe needs grinding stone for preparation. But you can also prepare it in the small chutney jar, we get along with mixer grinder. Let’s find out the recipe!

Here’s The Step-By-Step Recipe For Bengali-Style Kalonji Bharta:

Ingredients:

2-3 tablespoon kalonji (nigella seeds)

1 onion, sliced

3-4 cloves of garlic

2 whole red chillies

Salt, as per taste

Mustard oil, atleast 1-2 tablespoon

Method:

Toast the kalonji in a pan till it releases a strong aroma. Make sure, you don’t burn the spice. Keep aside

Likewise, toast the red chillies and keep aside.

Fry onion and garlic cloves in some oil till the raw smell of the veggies are gone.

Now, take all the ingredients in the small chutney jar, along with some salt, and grind.

Transfer it to a bowl and add mustard oil. Mix everything together with hand to get a paste-like texture of the bharta.

And if you plan to go the traditional way, then instead of mixer grinder, use grinding stone to make the paste manually. It just can’t be denied that the traditional process makes the dish yet more flavourful.

Try this unique recipe at home and let us know how you like it in the comment section below!