Taste from the Bengali Household - Aloo Poshto

The very mention of Bengali cuisine brings to mind the rich desserts like sandesh, rossogulla and rajbhog or the simple and tasty fish dishes like machher jhol, yet it is the vegan fare that is as tasty and make for a good meal. Dishes like Aloo Potol, Shukto and cholar dal may not have found its way to many non-bengali households or fancy restaurant menus, but once they do, atleast in our households they gain prominence and become a repeat favorite.
Aloo Poshto is one such dish. Poshto, Short for Poshtodana which is the Bengali name for Poppy Seeds, literally translated means Potatoes with Poppy Seeds.

Aloo Poshto

Ingredients:

Potatoes - 3 No.
Poppy Seeds - 2 Tblsp
Green Chillies - 2 No.
Turmeric powder - 1 Tsp
Mustard Oil - 2 Tblsp
Whole Dry Red Chillies - 2
Water - 1/2 cup
Salt - To Taste


Method:
1. Roast the poppy seeds and alongwith green chillies and a few tablespoons of water, grind it to a smooth paste.
2. Dice the potatoes into cubes. ( 1.5" x 1.5"x1.5" )
3. Heat Oil in a pan.
4. Shallow Fry potatoes till light brown. Drain and keep aside.
5. In the same oil, add whole dry red chillies and turmeric powder. Fry briefly.
6. Add in the poppy seed paste and fry for 4-5 minutes or till oil starts leaving sides of the pan.
7. Add the lightly fried potatoes and mix well.
8. Add water and salt. Stir well.
9. Cook till potatoes are soft and the dish turns a little dry.
10. Serve Hot.

Note: This is also my post for Sandeepa's RCI - Bengal event.

Posted in: Bengali Cuisine,Potato,vegetarian dishes