Assamese cuisine, which includes dishes from Assam, is widely celebrated and very popular for its unique flavours, simple recipes, and reliance on locally sourced ingredients. These characteristics tell that the dishes are not only flavorful but also rooted in the land and culture of Assam. Traditional Assamese dishes often involve lengthy cooking times, but there are a variety of quick and straightforward recipes that can be prepared in just a matter of minutes.
Simple Assamese Dishes: Quick and Easy Fixes for Every Craving
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Aloo Pitika (Mashed Potatoes)
Aloo pika is a most loved side dish in Assam. It is made by mashing boiled potatoes with a lot of spices. To prepare this comforting dish, start by boiling potatoes until they are soft enough to mash easily. Once boiled, mash them properly and mix in finely chopped onions, green chillies, mustard oil, and a pinch of salt. This results in a tasty mash that can be paired greatly with both rice and bread.
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Khar Diya Bhaji (Vegetable Stir-Fry with Alkaline Extract)
Khar is a unique ingredient in Assamese cuisine. It is extracted from burnt banana peels and has a good tangy flavour. This quick recipe combines khar with stir-fried vegetables such as potatoes, jackfruit, or bamboo shoots. These vegetables are Mixed in mustard oil, khar, garlic, and spices to get an authentic Assamese taste that is both nutritious and delicious.
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Masor Tenga (Sour Fish Curry)
Masor Tenga is a light and tangy fish curry that’s a must-have dish in Assamese homes. To prepare it, quickly and gently simmer fish in a mixture of tamarind, tomatoes, and spices. The result is a flavourful curry with a pinch of sourness that works perfectly with steamed rice.
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Pani Pitha (Rice Pancakes)
These are delicate rice pancakes enjoyed as a quick and satisfying snack in Assam. To make them:
- Mix rice flour with water and a pinch of salt to create a batter.
- Cook the batter on a hot surface until each pancake turns golden brown.
- Serve Pani Pitha warm and topped with either jaggery syrup or roasted sesame seeds for good flavour.
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Til Gahori (Pork with Sesame)
Til Gauri is a quick non-vegetarian dish in which pork is stir-fried with a paste made from roasted sesame seeds, garlic, ginger, and chili peppers. The dish is flavorful, tangy, and salty and can be paired perfectly with rice or bread.
Assamese cuisine offers a wide variety of quick and easy dishes that highlight the vibrant flavours of the state. These dishes show how people in Assam differ from others. By using locally sourced ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, these recipes can be made by anyone interested in exploring Assamese culinary traditions. Whether you’re already familiar with Assamese cuisine or exploring it for the first time, these quick recipes will surely become favourites in your kitchen.
