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It may sound amusing, but luchi is the quintessential Bengali-style poori that is not only an obsession of people living in Bengal but worldwide. Enjoying luchi doesn't require a specific event. This delicious flatbread is perfect for serving any meal, especially breakfast.
Origin
It's believed that luchi found its way to India via the Portuguese, who introduced refined flour (maida) processing methods and used it for baking bread. However, Bengalis couldn't replicate this, so they kneaded maida dough, flattened it into bread, and deep-fried it. Ghee is generously added to the dough, known as 'moyen.' Bengalis typically fry luchis until they puff up, known as 'fulko luchi.'
Anyone who has tried this humble fried bread loves relishing it, making it hard to find someone who doesn't enjoy luchi. What truly enhances the flavour of the luchi is the accompanying dish. Luchi is typically served with either a sweet or a savoury side dish. Let's explore some delicious Bengali side dishes that perfectly complement luchi.
- Begun Bhaja
Begun, meaning brinjal or eggplant. This is a simple eggplant fry that is a very common dish in Bengali households. Begun bhaja is a quick and easy-to-make side dish that is often enjoyed with luchi. To make this dish, eggplant is cut into slices along with its skin. They are marinated in turmeric powder and salt and then deep-fried in mustard oil. Ask any luchi lover and you will know the craze for this combination.
- Sada Aloo Koraishuti Torkari
This is considered the Sunday breakfast staple of most Bengali households. Here the colour of the potato curry is white owing to the lack of turmeric powder in it. The deep-fried luchi pairs well with the potato curry, tempered with dry red chillies, bay leaf, and kalonji which lends a unique taste to the dish. For added texture, sometimes green peas are added to the curry.
- Cholar Dal
One of the most loved dishes of the Bengalis is definately Cholar dal or Bengali chana dal. The combination of luchi and cholar dal is usually served during festivals like Durga puja as cholar dal is prepared without onion and garlic. This dish is easy to make and has an underlying sweet note to the savoury dish, owing to the presence of grated coconut garnished at the top.
- Aloo Dum
Aloo dum and luchi goes hand in hand and is one of the favourite food combinations of the Bengalis. The subtle flavours of luchi go perfectly with the rich and spicy aloo dum. The best part of the recipe is that this combination can also be made during puja as it can be cooked without onion and garlic as well.
- Phoolkopir Dalna
This is a favourite winter food combo that can be enjoyed for breakfast as well as for dinner. This recipe makes use of cauliflower and potatoes which are cooked in an array of spices like cumin powder, coriander powder, chilli powder, and turmeric powder. Here the dish exudes the earthy flavour of the cauliflower along with aromatic spices. Serving a dollop of ghee enhances the overall experience of eating luchi with the dalna.
- Mutton Kosha
If you ask a Bengali what is their favourite food, without even a second thought they would say mutton kosha and luchi. It is the best side dish to enjoy with steaming puffed-up luchi. Kosha mangsho is prepared with a whole lot of spices and is usually dry in consistency rather than a runny curry. It is a perfect dish for any special occasion.
- Payesh
Lastly, Bengalis need something sweet to end their meal with and nothing can be better than payesh or kheer or pudding. This sweet dish is made using rice, jaggery, milk, cardamom, cashews, and raisins. Its rich and sweet flavours complement the subtle taste of the luchi and create a melt-in-the-mouth experience.
