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Summers are predominant season in the South East Asian region and can be unforgivably ruthless to our outings. So we have too choose our outfits diligently. As for this part of the world where I live now, summers although not as much cruel as in Indian subcontinent can be tricky time to choose comfortable yet stylish outfits.Remember every summer Ma used to take out her pastel colored sarees which were considered "too light" for the rest of the year. Even the biye bari or the other evening parties would be attended in pastel shaded lace or silk. We used to see considerate change in colors worn by our teachers in school (YES! we always used to be very attentive towards their wardrobe 😜😜😜). So gradually it became a norm for us to take out our lighter shades for summer time and darker and richer shades for winter time. But as times have changed so has the experimentation with different color pallets. Now we see a lot more of candy shades among summer collections which in the past were considered a big no for adult outfits 🙈🙈 because of their blinding effects 😂😂. So lets have a look on what are the best combinations we can try out for our hot and humid days.

• Indigo Blue and White

There are sarees that can instantly brighten up your days. The color and feel of it is exudes a stylish vibe on any day you chose to wear these sarees. Indigo blue and white combinations is one of them. They give a youthful charm to your look. Dress it with your silver jewelry for richer look.

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• Neon Green and Pink

The Neon Green and Pink is a bright combination that stands out. It gives you smart, younger and a comforting look for the summer day time.

• Yellow and pink

As its summer you can look out for cotton or chanderi sarees with light work on them. Yellow and pink or red combination looks very soothing and rich at the same time. Pull up your hair in a tight bun and accessorize lightly with a statement earring and some kohl in eyes...voila! your party look is done for a scorching day.

• Royal Blue and Black

Royal blue is the color that never goes out of fashion. Dull royal blue with black is a hot property right now and can be wore both at day and night time parties.

• Red, Black and White

Red and white has always been a hot favorite traditional combination but adding a hint of black in it gives it a gorgeous makeover. A cotton red black and white saree can be ideal for your afternoon "ghoroa" (cozy) parties.

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• Orange and Yellow

Orange is an outstanding color which gives an instant brightness to a look and also emulates the fiery summer sun. A orange and yellow Linen saree can give a classic citric look for any day.

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  White and Gold

White sarees can never go out of fashion. White and Gold is considered to be the perfect blend of traditional yet contemporary. 

• Grey, Pink and Black

Grey has always been underrated as a formal color, but recently it has been used to create vivacious ethnic wear by combining it with pink and black. Pink gives that well needed pop of color and makes it perfect for summer wearing.

• Green and Black

Green and black sarees are always a big turn when worn rightly. It gives a extremely rich look and you can carry it from day to night.

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• Navy and Candy Pink and Orange

Navy with Candy pink and Orange is a hot favorite this season. This combination brightens up the atmosphere around you and can be carried both in day and night.

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Let us know if you have a favorite color combo for summers and we'll add it to our list :). Like and share the post if you love it and connect with us through our Facebook  and Instagram page

Every Bengali knows what is Jamai Sasti ( Reception of son-in-law at in law’s place ) . This has special meaning for Kolkata and west Bengal Based Bengalis If you are Jamai of Kolkata ( greater Kolkata ) , then get ready to savor the highest level of Khatir ( hospitality ) at in law’s house  on   19th June – Jamai Sasthi in Bengal ) .

Bengali people take pride in preparing   sweet ( hardly common now ) and main dishes for their guests. When it’s a call for Jamai , then expect some special menus at the lunch , dinner also . The King of Fishes for a Bangali Babu is Ilish or Hilsha and its mandatory "luxury" during this time of the year. Brishti (rain) and Ilish mach bhaja(fried Hilsa) goes hand in hand. Although its price is sky rocketed yet every middle class household wants to have it on their menu during monsoons. Most Bengali household has pretty much mastered on the quintessential Ilish recipes...be it the simplest Ilish er tel jhol or a Ilish Bhapa....so present a very unconventional recipe of Ilish. Those like me who usually don't want to experiment with our expensive Hilsa pieces may raise their eyebrows but trust me this will be all worthwhile. So we out to you a very unique sweet and sour Ilish Mach (Hilsa Fish) recipe for the day called Ilish Mach er Dolon. 

I first saw the recipe on a popular Bengali cookery show and immediately thought of making it for Jamaishasti this year. And from the time I have first made it, let me tell you its almost a regular weekend recipe for us now. This dish is originally a family recipe of the famous stalwart Thakur family of Jorashanko, Kolkata. So lets walk down to the kitchen now..

Few tips to buy the best Ilish in market

• Check the silver color of the fish is bright and shining

• The eyes of the fish should be clear and not merky

• The gills should be red and not darker in color

• If you press the body of the fish it shouldn't be too tender or soft.

Recipe:

Prep Time : 10 minutes

Cook time : 20 minutes

Serve : 4

Level Of Cooking : Easy

Taste : Sweet

Ingredients for Ilish Macher Dolon Recipe

• Ilish Mach 4 pieces

• Sugar Syrup 2 tablespoon

• Tamarind juice 2 tablespoon

• Onion, ginger and garlic paste 2 teaspoon

• Green and Red Chilies according to heat tolerance level

• Mustard Oil
• Turmeric powder
• Red Chilly Powder

Method

Step 1

Mix equal proportion of sugar syrup and tamarind juice in a bowl. Put the fish pieces in and marinate for 10 minutes

Step 2

Mix all other ingredients except the oil in a separate bowl to make a paste. Put in the marinated fish pieces in the paste and coat generously.

Step 3

Heat oil in a pan. Gently put in the fish pieces along with the paste in the oil. cover and let it cook. Alter the sides of the fish once in the middle. 

Step 4

As the fish gets cooked all through, generously (be happy and forget about your diet for the day :P )drizzle mustard oil and green and red chillies. Cover and give some standing time to the dish. Enjoy with steaming hot rice!!

Let us know how did you liked our new section and if you'd try this simple recipe at home. Share it with your friends if you love it. 
See you in the next post!