Rangpur's Peanut Bhorta Uses Fresh Green Peanuts

Pohela Baishak in Bangladesh has been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Reema Islam looks at the special foods and rituals that form part of the traditions of this agrarian community. This recipe for peanut bhorta is more popular in the northern parts of Bangladesh like Rangpur. Read more about Pohela Baishakh and Bangladeshi new year traditions here.

RECIPE FOR BADAM ER BHORTA

Ingredients
250g fresh, green peanuts
1 dried, whole chilli
1 tsp sliced garlic
1 small onion sliced
Salt to taste

Method
Dry roast chilli on a hot pan, then separately dry roast the onion and garlic. (In a pinch, you may fry these in 1 tsp mustard oil but be warned the peanuts will also add to the heaviness with their own oils.)

Once the onions & garlic are slightly browned, remove, and roast the peanuts. Brown them but be careful not to burn!

Now in a mixer or a shilpata (grindstone) grind the peanuts with onion, garlic, chilli. Add salt to season. When it turns into a paste, shape into balls and serve it hot or cold.  

Photo credits: Reema Islam & Shamik Barua.

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