Panta Bhaat (Fermented Rice-Bengali & Bangladeshi Style) Recipe

Panta bhaat or fermented rice is very popular in bangladesh and the north eastern part of india, especially, west bengal, assam and odisha. It is basically leftover cooked rice soaked in water and left overnight to ferment. This is then relished next morning as breakfast along with various side dishes like potato fry or any other curry, green chilies, onion, burnt/roasted red chilies, lime, fish fry, papad or pickle. It is considered a staple breakfast diet in the rural areas. I have a very vague memory of having this simple dish during my childhood. It is a very comforting food that is just divine. I like to have panta bhaat with just a dash of lime, burnt chilies and potato fry. Sometimes i relish it with pickle and papad. The water in which the rice is soaked also tastes just heavenly. It is very sad to know that the present generation is not aware of this very traditional and healthy breakfast.