• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Experiences of a Gastronomad
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipe Index
    • Bengali Recipes
    • Snacks and Starters
    • Rice and Bread
    • Lentils/Dals
    • Chana (Paneer) and Vegetables
    • Fish and Seafood
    • Poultry and Chicken
    • Meat
    • Desserts
    • Healthy Recipes
  • Archives
  • Contact Me
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Google+
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Shovabazar Rajbarir Pokanno

October 4, 2019 By Maumita Paul Leave a Comment

TwitterFacebookMessengerPinterestTelegramWhatsAppYummlyBufferEmailFlipboardPocket

Shovabazar Rajbarir PokannoPin

It was in the year 1757 , just after the victory of the British over Nawab Siraj-ud-daulah of Bengal at the historic, Battle of Plassey, that Raja Nabakrishna Deb started the Durga Pujo at the Sovabajar Rajbari. Lord Clive was the esteemed guest of honour and there was unprecedented revelry – decadent feasts, music and dance.
Times have moved on, but the Durga Pujo continues to this day at the Sovabazar Rajbari with pomp and splendour.

One of highlights of the Pujo is that Maa Durga’s Vaahan Singha (or lion) has the face of a horse here and is pristine white. Also it is said that the face of Maa Durga continues to be made using the same mould as was used in 1757.

There is no offering of annobhog at the Sovabazar Rajbari. Instead the deity is offered a luxuriant spread of sweets and savoury delicacies.
Sweets include darbesh, khaja , peraki , motichoor laddoo to name but a few. And of course Pokanno, a special sweet offered to the deity on all three days of the Pujo.
The list of savoury items sees the gorgeous poddo nimki , khasta kochori with dal and singara (Bengali Samosa) again with a delicious dal filling.
(Any guesses why the ubiquitous potato doesn’t feature in the singara stuffing ? You got it spot on, potatoes hadn’t yet arrived in Bengal when the Durga Pujo started at the Rajbari. Potatoes, as I understand, do not feature in any bhog offered to Maa Durga)

Today in the seventh post of my Mahabhog series I recreate Pokanno, a unique sweet offered to the Goddess at the Sovabazar Rajbari, following the exact steps explained by the haluikar Mr Ajit. I am thankful to him for patiently detailing every step of the recipe.

I am extremely grateful to Mr Soumit Narayan Deb for allowing me to share this family recipe with my readers .

Pokanno. Besan bhujiyas fried in ghee. The richness of khoya. The luxury of cashew nuts, raisins and pistachios. All rolled lovingly to laddoos. Heirloom recipe of the Rajbari.
Food heaven !!!

Shovabazar Rajbarir PokannoPin

If you are keen to learn what is served to the deity in the various bonedi barir Pujo as part of their bhog, do stay tuned for more !!
And if you haven’t already, here’s my posts on what’s in the bhog offered to Maa Durga.
1. Shibpur RoyChowdhury Barir Kolar Borar Payesh
2. Sabarna Roy Choudhury Barir Pui Chingri
3. Chorbagan Chatterjee Barir Niramish Bhetki Maacher Ghonto
4. Bhawanipur Nandan Barir Chandrapuli
5. Girish Bhawan er Chhanar Kalia
6. Rani Rashmoni Barir Perakir Payesh

PS – Please do not reproduce the content without appropriate permission.

Shovabazar Rajbarir PokannoPin

Shovabazar Rajbarir Pokanno

Pokanno. Besan bhujiyas fried in ghee. The richness of khoya. The luxury of cashew nuts, raisins and pistachios. All rolled lovingly to laddoos. Heirloom recipe of the Rajbari. Food heaven !!!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups besan or bengal gram flour
  • 100 g khoya or milk solids grated
  • 2 tbsp cashew nuts roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp raisins roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp pistachios roughly chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp green cardamom powder
  • 1/2 cup ghee
  • oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Take 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a deep bottomed pan, allow to simmer till a thick syrup, of about a 2 string consistency, is formed. Sprinkle the green cardamom powder over the syrup, give it a hearty mix. Let the syrup rest over the hot burner.
  • Take the besan in a bowl. Add water slowly to the besan to make a thick batter (little thicker, I would say, than your regular cake batter). (I used about 1/2cup water for 2cups of besan) Whip the besan vigorously for 5 odd minutes to ensure there are no lumps. Keep aside, 10 minutes or so.
  • Take 6-7 cups of water in a wide mouthed bowl.
  • The recipe calls for frying only in ghee, I have taken the liberty to add half a cup of ghee to my frying oil.
  • When the oil-ghee mixture is hot , take the perforated ladle, hold it carefully above your fry pan, give the batter one last hearty stir, take a ladleful of the batter and pour it over the ladle. Gently press with the other ladle, while moving in a circle. Droplets of the besan batter shall fall into the oil, rapidly forming long bhujiya (jhuri bhaja) like structures (As shown in the picture in recipe not). (If the batter is too thin, it shall form round shaped boondis. You have to add little a more besan to get the consistency right)
  • Fry the bhujiyas till they catch a tinge of light golden. Take out from the oil with another perforated ladle and immediately drop into the water you have kept aside in the big bowl. Just 10 secs or so. Take out of water and keep on a plate.
  • Repeat the process for the remaining batter.
  • Reheat the syrup if it’s gone cold. Add the fried bhujiyas to the warm syrup, mix well. Add the chopped nuts and grated khoya. Give another hearty mix.
  • Grease your palm now with a little ghee, carefully make medium sized laddus of the mixture when it is still hot. The texture of the laddus shall be soft and moist.
  • Keep over a greased plate, allow them to rest 3-4 hours before serving.

Notes

Shovabazar Rajbarir PokannoPin

TwitterFacebookMessengerPinterestTelegramWhatsAppYummlyBufferEmailFlipboardPocket

I am sure you shall also like

Perakir PayeshRani Rashmoni Barir Perakir Payesh Balaram Dey Street Dutta Barir Ledikeni Sheorafuli Rajbarir RajeshwariSheorafuli Rajbarir Rajeshwari BalushahiJorasanko Daw Barir Balushahi

Filed Under: Bengali Desserts, Bengali Recipes, Desserts Tagged With: Bengali Desserts, Bengali Food Blog, Bengali Food Photography, Bengali Recipes, Bengali Recipes From Grandmas Kitchen, Bonedi Barir Durga Puja, Bonedi Barir Durga Pujo, Bonedi Barir Mahabhog, Bonedi Barir Ranna, Desserts, Durga, Durga Pujar Bhruibhoj, Durga Pujo, Durga pujo recipes, Durga Pujor Ranna, Food Photography, Indian Food Photography, Pokanno, Shovabazar Rajbarir Bhog, Shovabazar Rajbarir Durga Pujo, Shovabazar Rajbarir Pokanno, Traditional Bengali Recipes, Traditional Recipes From Grandmas Kitchen

Previous Post: « Rani Rashmoni Barir Perakir Payesh
Next Post: Sheorafuli Rajbarir Rajeshwari »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Hello!! I am Maumita and welcome to Experiences of a Gastronomad.
My blog on soul food, sweet nostalgia and random musings.

SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS

Like Us On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget

Follow me on Instagram !!

gastronomad_m

Maumita Paul
New blog post is up :) And that evening, as the su New blog post is up :)
And that evening, as the sun prepares to retire for the day and the myriad shades of crimson light up the twilight sky, Grandma and Maa go from room to room tying the cheerful braided strands of hay, adorned with all the pretty embellishments, on every cupboard handle and door knob.
"আউনি বাউনি চাউনি/তিন দিন কোথাও না যেও/ ঘরে বসে পিঠে-ভাত খেও।
They recite.
I giggle.
Come on, they exhort, you can join us too.
Sankranti, Bapi explains as we relish the delectable Ranga alur puli Maa made earlier in the day, is the festival of harvest. A tribute to the bounty of Mother Nature. An occasion to express our gratitude to our farmers who work tirelessly to grow all the produce, they are key to our nations prosperity and growth.
And those strands of hay that Grandma and Maa tied to the doors, Bapi continues with a smile, are to ensure prosperity and wealth stay locked with all of us and we continue to be blessed by the generous benevolence of Maa Lakshmi.
.
.

To read more and try this recipe , direct link is updated in bio.

.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.

.
.
.
. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #makarsankranti #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
And the affair with gur continues..... Any guesses And the affair with gur continues.....
Any guesses what’s in the making this evening?.
.
.

. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.

.
.
.
. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #pithepuli #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
There is always light. If only we are brave enough There is always light. If only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it !!
 @amandascgorman you are a genius!!!
.
.
.

Submitting this to “Dark and Moody” challenge by @neethuthomasphotography and @twiggstudios . #mymysticlight 

Also submitting this to “Chiaroscuro” challenge by @happytummybyritumbhara and @stemsandforks . #foodphotobiteswithritu 
.

.

.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #food52 #tv_foodlovers #hautecuisines #capturethemoment #foodstagram #foodstyling #foodmaking @hautescuisines #indianfoodbloggers #foodpornography #photooftheday #gastronomad_m #theuncommonbox #darkphotography #capturingmoments #acreativevisual #darkandmoody #stilllife_perfection #moodylight #tastingtable #official_photography_hub #indianshutterbugs #styleonmytable #foodphotography #foodart #simpleandstill #wintervibes #lifeandthyme #moodygrams
When life gives you nolen gur, you go crazy with p When life gives you nolen gur, you go crazy with pithe puli and payesh. 
And then you make a delectable nolen gurer panacotta ❤️❤️❤️
.
.
Recipe link is there in bio.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.

.
.
.
. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #nolengur #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #photography #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #pannacotta #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
Nothing more hearty than phulkopir singara and a c Nothing more hearty than phulkopir singara and a cup of masala  tea as the evenings get a tad bit colder !!! 
Any takers ? ❤️ .
.
.
Recipe link is there in bio. 
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
 #desi_diaries #storiesofkolkata #theuncommonbox #bengalifood #india_undiscovered @ig_calcutta @stories.of.kolkata #official_photography_hub #teatime #foodgasm #foodstyling #chai #foodphotography #homemade #ig_calcutta #eatseasonal @india_undiscovered @walkwithindia @tv_stilllife #tasteofkolkata #foodporn #gastronomad_m #foodtalkindia #walkwithindia #kolkatabuzz #indianshutterbugs #foodstylist #canonphotography #calcuttacacophony #onlyinbengal #snack #foodstories #acreativevisual #chai #singara #sundayvibes
Sankranti remains one of the festivals closest to Sankranti remains one of the festivals closest to my heart. 

One of those days when I miss Grandma dearly and yearn to return to childhood and relish all the delectable pithe puli she would make !!! 
Happy Sankranti everyone !!!

On the plate 
Khejur Gurer Patishapta, Doodhpuli, Teler Pitha, Nolen Gurer Payesh and Soru Chakuli.
.
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.

.
.
.
. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #makarsankranti #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
New blog post ❤️ And every year, around Sankr New blog post ❤️

And every year, around Sankranthi, the chitoi pithe moulds make a magical re-appearance from the hidden vaults of the windowless sunlight-starved and perennially musty and damp bhnaarar ghor (pantry), illuminated by a lone naked incandescent bulb, before being dusted, scrubbed, soaked, dried and then used in vehement anger for the Sankranti festivities, only to disappear once the euphoria of the harvest festival subsides.
A use and throw culture has still not invaded our lives and the fact that this rather inexpensive non-descript humble artifact is used on just a couple of occasions around Sankranti every year makes not an iota of difference to the magnanimous love and care it receives.
.
.
To read more and try this recipe of Doodh Chitoi , direct link is there in bio. 
. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.

.
.
.
. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #makarsankranti #creatingmemories #foodthatheals
Its less than a week to Sankranti and my kitchen i Its less than a week to Sankranti and my kitchen is in manic frenzy this morning steaming some stunning Bhapa Pitha. 

I have always preferred freshly ground rice flour to store-bought ones. And my hand-free 1400w hamiltonbeach JMG ensured the rice was ground to fine flour, just as I wanted it, in a blink .
(Also do check the coarse, medium and fine grinding options available which gives us such luxury of choice -  I opted for the fine option for the rice flour)

And  here’s my recipe for the quintessential Bengali Bhapa Pitha / Assamese Keteli Pitha. 
Soak the rice for 2 hours, drain from water. 
Allow the rice to dry over a newspaper or muslin cloth to drain any excess water. 
Use your Hamiltonbeach JMG to blitz the rice to a fine powder.
Transfer the rice flour to a bowl, add a pinch of salt, mix well.
Splash a little water to the rice flour, start mixing with your hand. The texture of the dough should be crumbly and just damp enough. Splash water in small increments, we don’t want a wet batter here.
Sieve the moist flour .
Take a kettle, fill it half with water and bring to a boil.
Wrap the lid of the kettle with a damp muslin cloth.
Spread a layer of the rice flour uniformly over the cloth.
Add 1 tsp of freshly grated coconut on the rice flour, followed by 1 tsp of chopped jaggery And finish it with another layer of rice flour. Press gently, take care to not press it too hard.
Wrap with another piece of moist muslin, put the lid back on over the boiling water.
Steam for 10-12 minutes.
Carefully remove the lid from the kettle. 
Gently remove the outer muslin cloth. Use a sharp knife along the edges of the lid to un-mould the pitha..
.
.
#BigBoxOfLove

#SayToHelloPerfection #ProResultsAtHome #HamiltonBeachIndia #CookLikeAPro #fbciofficial

@hamiltonbeachindia, @fbciofficial @grainandgrowth .
.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #glutenfree #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #sankranti
The Doulla Pithe that Grandma (Bamma) creates is s The Doulla Pithe that Grandma (Bamma) creates is sheer magic – Pillowy rice flour parcels with a tiny morsel of patali hidden in the center. Stewed in milk perfumed with even more patali gur.
Have a bite, Grandma coaxes.
And the molten patali bursts out of the shackles of the rice flour cocoon.
The fragrance of patali and the perfume of rice leave my palate enthralled.
I take another bite.
.
.

If you want to try this , temporary recipe link is updated in bio ❤️
. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

.

.
.
.
. 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#dessert #sweettooth #storiesofkolkata #calcuttacacophony #foodphotography #acreativevisual #nostalgia #india_undiscovered #official_photography_hub #canonphotography #eeeeeats #foodblogfeed #photographers_of_india #theuncommonbox #eatseasonal  #gastronomad_m #foodphotography #tv_foodlovers #foodpornography #foodtalkindia #photooftheday #foodporn #sankranti #desi_diaries #capturingmagic #wearebengal #eatseasonal #winter  #cherishedmemories #makarsankranti #creatingmemories #foodthatheals

Categories

Badge for Top 10 Indian Food Stylists 2018

my foodgawker gallery

Bengali Recipes

Ranga Alur Puli

Ranga Alur Puli (Sweet Potato Dumplings)

Chitoi Pithe

Chitoi Pitha | Chitoi Pithe | Doodh Chitoi

Nobanno

Nobanno | Nabanno

Golda Chingrir Korma

Ila Mashir Golda Chingrir Korma

More Posts from this Category

Rice and Bread

Boal Maacher Biryani

Boal Maacher Biryani

Mashkolai Daler Khichuri

Mashkolai Daler Khichuri

Chicken Pish-Pash

Chicken Pish-pash, the Anglo Indian Way

Junglee Pulao

Rita Aunty’s Anglo Indian Junglee Pulao

More Posts from this Category

Lentils/Dals

Dimer Torka

Dimer Torka (Egg Tadka, Dhaba Style)

Lau diye Kancha Moong Dal

Lau diye Kacha Moong Dal (Moong Dal with Bottle Gourd)

Chingri diye Kolai Dal

Chingri diye Kolai Dal (Urad Dal with Shrimps)

Pujor Ranna

Pujor Ranna | Durga Pujor Bhuribhoj

More Posts from this Category

Vegetables

Lauer Kosha Bhaja

Lauer Khosha Bhaja (Stir-Fried Bottlegourd Peels)

Mulo Pur

Ganadev Kaku’s Mulo Pur (Stuffed Radish, Bengali Style)

Sheem Bhorta

Sheem Bhorta | Bharta (Mashed Flat Beans with Fried Onions and Raisins)

Peyajkoli Posto

Peyajkoli Posto (Onion Greens with Poppy Seeds Paste)

More Posts from this Category

Fish and Seafood

Fish Florentine

Fish Florentine I Bhetki Florentine

Prawn Temperado

Rita Aunty’s Prawn Temperado, the Anglo Indian Way

Golda Chingrir Korma

Ila Mashir Golda Chingrir Korma

Tel Koi

Tel Koi

More Posts from this Category

Poultry and Chicken

Chinese Chicken Roast

Chicken Roast, Chinatown Style | Chinese Chicken Roast

Jeere-Morich diye Murgir Jhol

Jeere Morich diye Murgir Jhol (Chicken Stew with Cumin and Peppercorn)

Dimer Hingi

Dimer Hingi (Egg Curry with Asafoetida)

Kathal Bichi Diye Murgi

Kathal Bichi diye Murgi (Chicken Curry with Jackfruit Seeds)

More Posts from this Category

Meat

Mangshor Jhol

Mangshor Jhol

Lamb Massaman Curry

Lamb Massaman Curry

Kancha Aam diye Mangsho

Kancha Aam diye Mangsho (Lamb with Raw Mangoes)

Railway Mutton Curry

The Anglo Indian Railway Mutton Curry

More Posts from this Category

Snacks and Starters

Mulo Pur

Ganadev Kaku’s Mulo Pur (Stuffed Radish, Bengali Style)

Kumro Patay Chingrir Bora

Kumro Patay Chingrir Bora (Fritters of Shrimps wrapped in Pumpkin Leaves)

Shojne Phooler Bora

Shojne Phooler Bora (Moringa/Drumstick Flower Fritters)

Koraishutir Patishapta

Koraishutir Patishapta (Savoury Crepes with Spicy Green Peas Stuffing)

More Posts from this Category

Desserts

Ranga Alur Puli

Ranga Alur Puli (Sweet Potato Dumplings)

Chitoi Pithe

Chitoi Pitha | Chitoi Pithe | Doodh Chitoi

Dundee Cake

Mrs Browns Dundee Cake

Nobanno

Nobanno | Nabanno

More Posts from this Category

Dips Relish and Chutneys

Aubergine And Okra Raita

Aubergine And Okra Raita

Tomato Chutney

Tomato Chutney, Bengal style

More Posts from this Category

Featured Posts

Chitoi Pithe

Chitoi Pitha | Chitoi Pithe | Doodh Chitoi

Prawn Temperado

Rita Aunty’s Prawn Temperado, the Anglo Indian Way

Garur Dal

Garur Dal | Aat Aanajer Dal

Kumro Phooler Pur

Kumro Phooler Pur (Stuffed Pumpkin Flower Fritters)

More Posts from this Category

Copyright © 2021 Experiences of a Gastronomad on the Foodie Pro Theme