Assam recipes

Assamese Recipes Blog

Explore the authentic taste of Assam – from traditional curries to sweet delights

1. Masor Tenga (Tangy Fish Curry)

Masor Tenga is a light and tangy fish curry, a staple in every Assamese household. It is cooked with fresh river fish, tomatoes, lemon, and sometimes ou tenga (elephant apple) for extra tanginess. The dish is perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients: Fresh fish, mustard oil, tomatoes, green chilies, lemon juice, turmeric, salt.

Method: Fry the fish in mustard oil, prepare a light tangy gravy with tomatoes and lemon, then simmer the fish in the curry until perfectly cooked.

2. Aloo Pitika (Mashed Potatoes)

Aloo Pitika is a simple mashed potato dish that is comfort food in Assam. It's made by mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with mustard oil, onions, and green chilies. It is often paired with rice and dal for a humble, homely meal.

Ingredients: Boiled potatoes, mustard oil, onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, salt.

Method: Boil potatoes, mash them, and mix with finely chopped onions, green chilies, and mustard oil. Serve warm.

3. Pitha (Rice Cakes)

Pitha is a traditional Assamese snack, often prepared during Bihu festivals. These rice cakes can be either sweet or savory, filled with coconut, jaggery, or sesame seeds. They are usually steamed or fried, offering a delicious treat with tea.

Ingredients: Rice flour, coconut, jaggery, sesame seeds, sugar, ghee.

Method: Make dough with rice flour, prepare sweet coconut-jaggery filling, shape the cakes, and steam or fry them until cooked.

4. Xaak Bhaji (Stir-fried Greens)

Xaak Bhaji is a healthy stir-fry made with seasonal green leafy vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, or jute leaves. It is lightly spiced, retaining the natural flavor of the greens, and is often eaten with rice and dal.

Ingredients: Green leafy vegetables, garlic, green chilies, mustard oil, salt.

Method: Heat mustard oil, sauté garlic and green chilies, then stir-fry the greens until tender.

5. Payash (Rice Pudding)

Payash is a popular Assamese dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar, often flavored with cardamom and garnished with dry fruits. It is served during festivals and special occasions as a symbol of sweetness and prosperity.

Ingredients: Rice, milk, sugar, cardamom, dry fruits, ghee.

Method: Cook rice in milk until soft, add sugar and cardamom, simmer, and garnish with fried dry fruits before serving.

6. Khar (Banana Peel & Lentil Curry)

Khar is a traditional Assamese dish made with raw papaya, banana peel, or lentils, and an alkaline extract called khar (made from banana peel ash). This unique dish is healthy and cleansing, often served at the start of a meal.

Ingredients: Raw papaya or banana peel, pigeon peas (toor dal), raw khar water, mustard oil, green chilies, turmeric, and salt.

Method: Boil dal with papaya pieces, add khar water, then temper with mustard oil and green chilies. Simmer until cooked with a mild alkaline flavor.