In Odiya cuisine, what is the difference between a 'besara' (mustard-based) and a 'mahura' (mixed vegetable) dish?

Question

In Odiya cuisine, what is the difference between a 'besara' and a 'mahura'? Learn about the mustard-based vs. mixed-vegetable dish preparations.

Answer 1

A 'besara' in Odia cuisine is a dish cooked in a mustard paste-based gravy, while a 'mahura' is a mixed vegetable curry, often including lentils or beans, and doesn't necessarily feature mustard as a primary flavor.

Detailed Explanation:

The key difference lies in the primary flavoring agent. 'Besara' dishes are characterized by the use of mustard paste as the base for the gravy. This mustard paste, typically made from black mustard seeds, adds a pungent and slightly bitter flavor to the dish. Vegetables or fish are then cooked in this mustard-based gravy. Common vegetables used in besara include potatoes, pumpkin, and pointed gourd (potol).

'Mahura', on the other hand, is a mixed vegetable curry. It's a medley of various seasonal vegetables cooked together. While the specific vegetables can vary, common ingredients include potatoes, eggplant, pumpkin, beans, and drumsticks. Mahura often includes lentils or beans to add protein and body to the dish. The flavor profile is generally milder and more balanced than besara, relying on a combination of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder, but not necessarily mustard. Some variations of mahura might include a small amount of mustard seeds for tempering, but it's not the defining characteristic.

Pro Tip:

When making besara, soak the mustard seeds in warm water for about 30 minutes before grinding them into a paste. This helps to reduce the bitterness and create a smoother, more flavorful paste.