Have you tasted these nolen gur temptations yet?

If you had to pick one winter flavour that’s all about Bengal, it would have to be Nolen gur. It is at the heart of all things Bengali and sweet. But, as you have probably read, Nolen gur is short in supply and high in demand this season. However, even with its limited availability, city chefs have come up with novel dishes, be it for entree or dessert, which celebrate the unique taste and rich texture of this jaggery made from date palm juice. CT explores a few such dishes made with it. Read on... ‘One of the most talked-about delicacies of Bengal’

Nolen gur is one of the most talked-about and loved delicacies of Bengalis. With 6 Ballygunge Place being one of the pioneering Bengali cuisine brands, we wanted to present a touch of fusion to regular ice cream. Hence, we tied up with Fresh and Naturelle and created the iconic nolen gurer ice cream.
— Chef Sushanto Sengupta
‘I wanted to incorporate a seasonal flavour into a traditional dessert’

We wanted to experiment with a seasonal product. The idea behind making the nolen gur mascarpone cheesecake at Holiday Inn was to incorporate this seasonal flavour into a traditional Italian dessert. Our nolen gurer baked yoghurt is a fresh take on traditional yoghurt, which is baked with date palm juice.
— Chef Sk Amirul Islam
‘We want to rekindle Bengalis’ interest in rich local produce’

Nolen gur is a priceless treasure of Bengal. It is our duty to rekindle Bengalis’ interest in rich local produce like nolen gur by incorporating it into contemporary and innovative dishes. At Spice Kraft, we serve Nolen gur reduced kolmi and feta stuffed lamb chops. The dish is served with a spicy reduction of nolen gur with red wine jus.
— Chef Sambit Banick
‘Our nolen gur firni offers a fresh new taste to foodies’

During winter, we serve nolen gur firni at Naushijaan. Its limited availability, along with its rich taste and texture, make it a favourite among diners. Since it is winter and fresh nolen gur is a seasonal speciality, this nolen gur firni offers a fresh new taste to foodies. The kesariya shahi firni is also popular throughout the year.
— Chef Nawab Ahmed
‘A western dessert with a Bengali twist’

Our nolen gur cheesecake at Bakstage is quintessentially a western dessert with a Bengali twist. It is made with a Philadelphia cheesecake base along with Nolen gur and then baked. The nolen gur baklava is made with exotic dry fruits including almonds and pistachios. Saffron too is added. It is then mixed with Nolen gur, wrapped with phyllo pastry and slowly baked in an oven.
— Chef Sachin Verma
‘I am a Bengali and have a soft corner for nolen gur’

I am a proper Bengali and have always had a soft corner for nolen gur. When I wanted to experiment with something new, I decided to try out something with nolen gur. That’s how we came up with our signature nolen gurer sizzling brownie with vanilla ice cream at Level 7. Our baked tandoori mango, nolen gur and cream cheese kebab is an innovative dish, baked with cheese sauce and mozzarella.
— Chef Debasish Baidya
‘The sweetness of nolen gur is less than that of sugar’

At Flurys, we like to add a touch of Kolkata to our dishes. Nolen gur is a seasonal product and we wanted to experiment with it. The sweetness of nolen gur is less than that of sugar. That was my first consideration. In case of our nolen gur crepe gateaux, nolen gur, folded with mascarpone cheese and whipped cream, form the filling. The layers are thin French pancakes.
— Chef Vikas Kumar