What is ‘Panta Bhaat’ which Mamata Banerjee mentioned during Bengal elections, know how this dish is made.

These days, amid the election atmosphere of West Bengal, a simple desi food has suddenly become popular on social media. While appealing to the people during voting, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee mentioned ‘Panta Bhaat’, after which discussion about this Bengali dish started everywhere.

Actually, Panta Bhaat is not just a dish but a part of the old food culture of Bengal. This dish made from rice soaked in water overnight helps in keeping the body cool in summers. It is eaten with salt, onion, green chilli and mustard oil.

After all, what is panta bhaat?

Panta Bhaat is a very old and traditional food of Bengal. To make this, leftover cooked rice is soaked in water overnight and eaten the next morning. It may sound simple, but it is considered very beneficial in summer. This dish has been eaten especially in rural areas for years. In earlier times, when there were no facilities like refrigerator, people used to keep the leftover rice by immersing it in water to prevent it from getting spoiled. Light fermentation took place in it overnight, which enhanced both its taste and qualities.

How is panta bhaat made?

• Making Panta Bhaat is very easy and does not require many things. To make this you just need cooked rice, water, salt, green chilli, onion and mustard oil.
• First of all, put the remaining rice in a vessel or earthen pot.
• Now add enough water in it that the rice gets completely submerged.
• Cover it and leave it at room temperature overnight.
• In the morning, add salt as per taste and add chopped onion, green chilli and a little mustard oil on top.
• In Bengal, people like to eat it with Aloo Bharta, fried fish, pickles or pakodas.

Why is it considered beneficial in summer?

Panta Bhaat is not only a filling food, but also helps in keeping the body cool in summers. Due to being soaked in water overnight and mild fermentation, good bacteria are formed in it, which are considered beneficial for digestion.

• cools the body
• Helps prevent dehydration
• Keeps the stomach light and cool
• Helpful in improving digestion
• Helpful in reducing the effects of heat and sunstroke
• People working in the fields in rural areas like to eat it in the morning, because it helps in keeping the body cool for a long time.