As winter graces Bangladeshi landscapes, the culinary tapestry unfolds with the seasonal bounty of duck recipes. A tradition deeply rooted, the demand for duck meat peaks during this time, aligning with increased production.  Beyond the practical, there is a culinary secret – the meat quality reaches its zenith in winter. So, while chicken and beef are the most popular in other seasons, in winter, duck is the most hyped. Health Benefits of Duck Meat High Protein Content Duck meat boasts a high protein content, crucial for muscle development and repair. Incorporating it into winter meals ensures fueling the body with the building blocks it needs. Rich in Iron Iron plays a vital role in oxygen transport within the body. Duck meat is rich in iron. It becomes a valuable addition, especially during the winter when our bodies crave increased energy levels. Abundant in Zinc Zinc is an excellent mineral to support the immune system. By indulging in duck dishes, you are not only treating your taste buds but also giving your immune system a boost. Read more: Popular Winter Breakfasts in Bangladesh 7 Tasty Duck Recipes to Try at Home Kerala Duck Curry  Ingredients 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 6 garlic cloves (crushed), 1 ½ inch fresh ginger (crushed), 4 green chillies (slit), 3 large onions (sliced), 2 sprigs of curry leaves, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 2 tablespoon coriander powder, 2 tablespoon garam masala, 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1 tablespoon chicken masala, 1 kg duck (cut into medium-sized pieces), 1 tablespoon lightly crushed black pepper, 1/2 cup thick coconut milk (coconut cream), water, and salt to taste. Instructions First, heat oil in a big frying pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic, ginger, and green chillies for a delightful minute. Then add onions and a sprig of curry leaves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes. After that add turmeric powder, coriander powder, garam masala, red chilli powder, and chicken masala, stirring the spices for another minute.  Next, add duck, fry for 3-4 minutes, then cover with water, add curry leaves, and season with salt. Cook covered for 45 minutes or use a pressure cooker for 4-5 whistles. Finish by stirring in thick coconut milk, and black pepper, and heating through. Relish the rich, spiced symphony of flavours! Read more: 10 Bangladeshi Winter Street Foods: Taste Meets Tradition Honey & Soy Duck Salad Ingredients 2 duck breasts (skin on), 100g bag salad, 250g cherry tomato (halved), a bunch of spring onion (sliced diagonally),  For dressing: 1 garlic clove (grated), 1 teaspoon fresh grated root ginger, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 3 tablespoons honey. Instructions First, preheat the oven to 180°C. Score the duck breast skin and season generously. In a hot non-stick frying pan, sear the duck, skin-side down, for 4 minutes until crisp. Flip and brown the underside, then transfer to a baking tray.  Then, combine the dressing ingredients. Spoon the majority over the duck, reserving 2 tablespoons. Roast for 10 minutes for a pink finish. Rest for 4 minutes, then slice into strips. Toss the salad, tomatoes, spring onions, and duck slices, and drizzle with the remaining dressing. A succulent delight awaits! Read more: 5 Tasty Savoury Winter Pitha Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen Duck Biryani  Ingredients 4 duck legs, 3 cups duck stock, 2 tablespoons duck fat, 1⁄2 cup tikka masala curry paste, 2 onions (sliced), 300g basmati rice (rinsed under cold water), 1⁄3 cup sultanas, 2 tablespoons flaked almonds (toasted), and 1⁄2 cup fresh coriander leaves. Instructions First, in a saucepan, melt the duck fat over medium heat, adding and browning the roast duck legs. Set aside. Then add onions and curry paste, stirring for 5 minutes until the onions are soft and the curry paste releases its fragrance.  Next, add rice, and sultanas. After that add the duck legs to the pan, pour in the stock, cover, and bring to a boil. Simmer on low for 10 minutes until the rice is tender. Stand for 5 minutes, then serve, garnished with almonds and coriander. Enjoy this flavourful creation! Read more: 5 Tasty Sushi Recipes for Bangladeshi Kitchen

During the winter months, the rural households of Bangladesh prepare a bunch of traditional foods. Date Palm Jaggery, locally known as Khejurer Gur is one of the most cherished winter dishes in Bengali culture. It is a natural sweetener produced from the sap of date palm trees. Date Palm Jaggery is healthier than sugar and other kinds of sweeteners. Let’s take a look at 5 delicious recipes prepared by Date Palm Jaggery. Health Benefits of Date Palm Jaggery or Khejurer Gur Palm jaggery is an excellent source of essential nutrients. It is high in iron which helps to increase the hemoglobin level and so it is used for treating anemia. It is enriched with magnesium. Magnesium is a great nutrient that helps in regulating the nervous system.  You will also find calcium, phosphorus, and potassium available in date palm jaggery. Date palm jaggery has fiber which helps digestion and bowel movements. Why late? Prepare a cozy recipe with date palm jaggery at home. Check here for the 5 best healthy recipes for date palm jaggery that are lovely for a Bengali kitchen in winter.  Read More: 5 Yummy Duck Recipes to Warm Up this Winter 5 Date Palm Jaggery Recipes to Try This Winter  Jaggery Tea Jaggery tea is considered a soul-warming drink that is ideal during a winter morning. Add hand-ground spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and dried ginger with the jaggery tea to add a refreshing flavor to this drink. Ingredients 1 tbsp chopped palm jaggery, 2 tbsp black tea, 2 cardamoms pods, 2 stick cinnamon, ¼ tsp grated fresh ginger, Milk to taste Method First, take 2 or 3 cups or according to your need a pot. Add cardamom, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Let the mixture boil for 5 minutes. Add jaggery and tea leaves to a teapot and boil for another 1 minute. Then strain the prepared tea mixture. Add milk if you like. Serve hot.  Read More: 5 Bonfire Night Recipes to Try this Winter Gurer Sandesh Of course, you will like gurer sandesh (shondesh) which is a light delicacy from Bengal made with curdled milk.  Ingredients 8 cups milk, ¼ cup Gur (jaggery), ¼ cup lemon juice, 10 pistachios, blanched and chopped Method First, let the milk boil well in a deep, thick bottomed, pot. Then add the lemon juice with boiled milk and continue stirring until the milk curdles. Now, strain and instantly. Wah the 'chhana' in cool water. After that take the chhana in a piece of cotton cloth and squeeze as long as all the water is drained out. Read More: Top 10 Most Expensive Foods in the World Blend the chhana well with the heel of your hand. Add jaggery and rub again well. Then cook in a non-stick pan. Make sure you cook it on medium heat for 7-8 minutes. After 8 minutes remove from heat.  Divide into 10-12 equal portions. Give them your choice able shape and place pistachio on each one when cooled.  Jaggery Malpua Who doesn’t love malpua? If it is a malpua made with jaggery, surely everyone will love it.  Read More: 5 Yummy Winter Pitha Recipes for Diabetics Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup jaggery, one cup mawa, 1 pinch of saffron, 1 cup milk, 1/8 tsp green cardamoms powder, 5-6 tbsp ghee, 2 tbsp chopped mixed nuts Method First, 1 cup of water in a pot and heat it. Then add jaggery with the water, stir and mix well. Cook the mixture as long as the jaggery melts well. When the jaggery is mixed well, remove the pot from heat and strain the mixture in a bowl. Wait some time to cool it down. When it is cool, add mawa, saffron, mixed nuts, and flour to the bowl. Mix together all the things. Then add milk and mix well.  Now, take ghee in another non-stick pan and heat it. Take a spoon and pour a spoonful of batter in it, and shallow-fry till golden.   Read More: Having Snacks while Watching Sports: 10 yummy, nutritious, easy recipes Jaggery Gulgula Once upon a time, this recipe was very famous, especially in the village market and roadside restaurants. Nowadays, it is available but you can prepare this traditional and excellent recipe to wow your family.  Ingredients 250g jaggery, 2 cups atta, Water, as needed, 3 tbsp ghee, ¼ tsp salt, ½ tsp baking powder, ½ cup finely cut dry coconut pieces, ¼ cup chopped cashew, ¼ tsp fennel seeds, Oil for deep frying Method First, take a large bowl and mix well-grated jaggery and warm water. Make sure you prepare a smooth, non-lumpy paste. Then take another bowl and put atta, ghee, salt, and baking powder into the bowl. Mix all the ingredients well and then add the jaggery water. Make a thick batter. Finally, add coconut, and cashews to this batter. Read More: Top Instagrammable rooftop restaurants in Banani Put a pan into the stove and heat the oil. Give the mixture pakora shape and fry until the gulgulas turn a golden brown color. Serve warm.  Khejur Gur er Paayesh Ingredients 1 Litre milk full fat, 1/3 Cup Basmati Rice, 2 - 3 tbsps sugar, 2 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp cardamom powder,  Gur Date Palm Jaggery, 2 tbsps cashews raisins  Method First, take a deep pan and heat the milk. Add the bay leaves. Then add the washed rice to the milk. Continue stirring so that the kheer doesn’t burn as it thickens. Add the cardamom powder. Keep cooking until the rice becomes soft. When the rice becomes soft, add sugar and let it boil. Read More: 5 Simple One-Skillet Dinner Recipes for Busy Bachelors Stirring continuously in low heat. Put off the heat when the Paayesh has thickened for the consistency you require and like.  Don't add gur when the paayesh is very hot.  Add the gut after some time and mix properly. You will get divine smelling. Finally, add the cashews and raisins and serve.  Bottom Lime Date Palm Jaggery is always traditional and loved by all Bengalis.  However, if you can get fresh and pure date palm jaggery, you will be able to prepare tasty, healthy, and nutritious various recipes at home to enjoy with your family. However, diabetic patients should consult with doctors before taking these sweet foods. As the winter season has arrived, you can prepare the above-mentioned 5 yummy date palm jaggery recipes for you and your adorable family. Read More: 5 Delicious Winter Picnic Recipes