Hong Kong, April 11 -- The rich history and vibrant culture of Bengali cuisine are often known for its array of seafood and meat dishes, and very rightly so. We cannot imagine a meal without our fish (read machh). When the rest of the country turns vegetarian during Navratri, our massive feast, or as we like to say,

, starts. But for those who think that Bengalis cannot think beyond non-vegetarian dishes, let us blow your mind. These Bengali vegetarian recipes are as much a part of any Bengali household as fish is.

At the heart of Bengali cuisine lies a huge emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce. The agricultural lands of Bengal yield a harvest of vegetables, fresh fruits, and legumes, which serve as the foundation for a range of vegetari...