Assamese cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors, with many dishes remaining relatively unknown outside the region. Here are 9 lesser-known Assamese recipes that deserve a spotlight:
1. Koldil Murgi
- Ingredients: Chicken, banana flower, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, mustard oil, salt.
- Preparation: Marinated chicken pieces are cooked with banana flower, creating a unique flavor profile. The banana flower adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of crunch.
2. Masor Tenga with Hog Plum
- Ingredients: Fish, hog plums, tomatoes, onions, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, mustard oil, salt.
- Preparation: A tangy fish curry made with hog plums, a sour fruit that adds a unique flavor to the dish. The fish is cooked in a mustard oil-based gravy with tomatoes, onions, and spices.
3. Ougha Khatta
- Ingredients: Bamboo shoots, mustard leaves, tomatoes, onions, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, mustard oil, salt.
- Preparation: A spicy and tangy dish made with bamboo shoots and mustard leaves. The mustard leaves add a distinctive flavor and aroma to the dish.
4. Xukuli
- Ingredients: Pork, bamboo shoots, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, mustard oil, salt.
- Preparation: A popular Assamese non-vegetarian dish made with pork and bamboo shoots. The pork is slow-cooked with bamboo shoots and spices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
5. Til Pitha
- Ingredients: Rice flour, black sesame seeds, jaggery, coconut, green chilies, ginger, mustard oil, salt.
- Preparation: These savory pancakes are made from a batter of rice flour, black sesame seeds, and spices. They are cooked on a griddle and often served with a chutney made from coconut, green chilies, and ginger.
6. Khar
- Ingredients: Pigeon peas, banana stem, turmeric powder, ginger-garlic paste, mustard oil, salt.
- Preparation: A traditional Assamese dish made with pigeon peas and banana stem. The banana stem is used to make a natural alkaline solution, which gives the dish its unique flavor.
7. Masor Jhol
- Ingredients: Fish, tomatoes, onions, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, mustard oil, salt.
- Preparation: A simple yet flavorful fish curry made with tomatoes, onions, and spices. The fish is cooked in a mustard oil-based gravy, resulting in a light and refreshing dish.
8. Paat Pitha
- Ingredients: Rice flour, jaggery, coconut, green chilies, ginger, mustard oil, salt.
- Preparation: These steamed dumplings are made from a batter of rice flour and filled with a sweet or savory mixture of jaggery, coconut, and spices. They are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.
9. Aloo Pitika
- Ingredients: Potatoes, green chilies, ginger, mustard oil, salt.
- Preparation: A simple and flavorful mashed potato dish. The potatoes are boiled and mashed with green chilies, ginger, and mustard oil. It is often served as a side dish with rice and dal.
These are just a few of the many lesser-known Assamese recipes that are worth exploring. With their unique flavors and rich cultural heritage, these dishes offer a true taste of Assam.