Kumror Chokka | Kumror Chakka, the recipe and a mother's wish for her daughter's Biyer bhoj!

Kumror Chokka, a side dish from Bengali cuisine, is made without onion or garlic. It's prepared with pumpkin, potato, and boiled black chickpeas. The dish is seasoned with "panch foron" and flavored with ghee. This dry pumpkin-based dish is a great accompaniment to luchi, roti, or paratha.

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• A wish that was not accomplished
• Kumror Chokka
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• Recipe Video - Kumror Chokka
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• Pairing
• Bengali no onion no garlic recipes
• Let's connect over Niramish Kumro'r Chokka recipe
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A wish that was not accomplished

Kumror Chokka, a Bengali delicacy, holds bittersweet memories for me. In the past, my mother would always mention it as a must-have dish for my wedding feast, along with Dantiwala Begun Bhaja, Luchi, and a variety of fish dishes. She meticulously planned every aspect of my wedding, from the size of the event to the menu and even how she envisioned me as a bride. I recall her mentioning setting up a "Vien" for the sweets as well.

During my teenage years, I strongly opposed my mother's food choices, even when it came to traditional dishes like Dantwala Begun bhaja. I insisted on including meat, arguing that nobody liked pumpkin. My mother would then reminisce about the grandeur of a "bonedi barir Biye" in the 50s and 60s. I never found the idea appealing. I always imagined a simple marriage for myself, and that's exactly what happened. My wedding was a modest court marriage without any invitations, jewelry, or the customary bhoj. It was a simple celebration, and fate seemed to agree with my vision.

A mother's dream

One wish of my mother remains unfulfilled, perhaps the only one. She always hoped that her daughter would receive a quality education, and I tried my best to make that happen. She also wanted me to earn my own living. Maa used to say that she didn't want my money, just to see me earn as much or more than the male members of the family. I don't know if I've fully achieved this goal, but I am certainly able to support myself.

My mother always wanted me to be a strong woman. I believe that was the wisest thing she wished for me. However, I failed to fulfill her dream of having a grand wedding. Though I am happily married to the person I believe is the best match for me, we opted for a simple court marriage instead of a lavish ceremony to avoid any religious interference. After almost fourteen years (in 2023 when this post is updated), I realized that our families were happy with our decision and loved us unconditionally. As a mother now, I often think about my daughter's future wedding. Now I understand the dreams of my mother and mother-in-law.

As children, we often failed to fulfill our mothers' desires, such as seeing us get married as they envisioned. These thoughts come to mind whenever I cook a simple dish like Kumror Chokka. This is a popular vegetarian dish in Bengali cuisine and was once a staple in traditional Bengali wedding menus from the 1950s to 1970s. Although I must move on to the recipe, I feel it's important to mention these memories.

Kumror Chokka

Cooked in ghee and made with a blend of pumpkin and potatoes, spiced with Panch Phoron, the dish known as Kumror Chokka is a true delight and pairs perfectly with Luchi or Roti. This recipe has been passed down through generations of my family, from Thakuma to Jethima and now to me and my sister-in-laws. It is a no-onion, no-garlic recipe. Some claim that no one can make Kumror Chakka quite like Mammam (Jethima). This humble recipe is a tribute to the important women in my life, who mean the world to me.

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Recipe Card

Recipe Video - Kumror Chokka

Related Recipes

Pairing

Bengali no onion no garlic recipes

• Narkel diye Cholar Dal (also known as Bengali Cholar Dal)
• Neem Begun (also known as Stir-fried Neem leaves and Eggplant)
• Narkel diye Niramish Ghugni (also known as Bengali No Onion No Garlic Ghugni or Yellow Peas Curry with Fried Coconut)
• Begun Basanti (also known as Bengali Begun Bashonti)
• Bori Aloor Jhal (also known as Bengali Bori'r Jhal)
• Mochar Ghonto Narkel ar Bhaja Bori diye (also known as Bengali Banana Blossom Curry)
• Natun Aloor Dum (also known as Bengali Niramish Aloor Dum )

Let's connect over Niramish Kumro'r Chokka recipe

I would love to see a picture if you are making the prawns following my recipe. You can share here at dolonchttrj@gmail.com. You can use my hashtag #debjanirrannaghar and share it through Instagram as well. In addition, you can tag me at @foodofdebjani. On Thread, I am available as foodofdebjani!

Kumror Chakka Recipe pin for you