Why do Bengalis start their meal with something as bitter as Neem Begun?

Bengali’s and their love for food is known to the world so much so that some of the quintessential Bengali delicacies have gone beyond the geographic boundaries to create a mark on the global culinary map. The combinations and way of pairing foods is unique yet bizarre, when it comes to Bengali cuisine as every region in Bengal has a different style and method of cooking based on the age-old culinary practices and the local produce. Unlike the rest of the country trying to strike the perfect balance of spicy, tangy and subtle flavours, Bengali cuisine still dates back to the age-old beliefs of food for good health, and that’s what brings us to the unusual starter--Neem Begun!

Neem Begun is one of the first delicacies served on a Bengali thali, and it is basically consumed during summers and monsoon seasons, when the body needs ample nutrition to sustain the harshness of the weather and also to combat seasonal infections, but wait what exactly is this dish?

Neem Begun is basically a simple preparation of fried bitter neem leaves with brinjal (eggplant) chunks cooked with a dash of sugar,mustard seeds and 1 whole red chile (optional). Interestingly, this dish is not about balancing the tastes and flavours rather it has a deep rooted health aspect, which based on ancient Ayurvedic beliefs that revolve around the benefits of chewing neem leaves to boost immunity as well as to keep ailments away along with the health benefits of brinjal, turmeric that help improve digestive health and help in preventing infections.

According to Ayurveda, consuming bitter foods may help balance the body’s pitta (heat) and kapha (mucus) doshas. This is why the neem leaves, with their intense bitterness, are believed to cleanse the system, cool the body, and improve digestion. In fact, beginning a meal with this taste is said to prepare the palate and digestive enzymes for the rest of the food. Neem Begun is consumed around seasonal change when the body is prone to ailments and infections, and the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and immune-boosting compounds of neem, turmeric and begun help in protecting the body from helping protect the body from seasonal ailments.

To make this simple delight, take a pan and add in mustard oil and once it is hot enough, add in whole red chile along with mustard seeds.

Next, add in the begun followed by turmeric and salt. Lastly, add in neem leaves and fry them well.

Serve it with warm rice.