Potol Posto | Bengali Parwal Curry with Poppy Seeds
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Bengali
Serves: 4-6 servings
Ingredients
  • Parwal - 500 gms
  • Mustard oil - 5 tbsp
  • Kalonji/kala jeera - ½ tsp
  • Green chili – 2, slit lengthwise
  • Posto/poppy seeds - 2tbsp
  • Mustard powder - 3 tbsp
  • Turmeric powder - 1 tbsp
  • Sugar – ½ tsp
  • Salt to taste
Instructions
  1. Soak the poppy seeds/khus khus in room temperature water for 30 minutes. Drain and grind them using minimal water until you get a smooth & thick paste. Set it aside.
  2. Whisk the dry mustard powder in half a cup of water and set aside until further use.
  3. Cut both the ends of each parwal and peel them. I generally peel the skin in alternative strips lengthwise to make it look good. You can even peel it completely. Then cut each parwal into half lengthwise. Wash and set aside.
  4. Heat 4 tablespoons of oil in a kadhai/wok. Once the oil is hot, temper it with kalonji and slit green chilies. Let them crackle and become fragrant for half a minute.
  5. Then add the cut parwals and sauté them until golden brown. This would take 15 to 20 minute on medium-low heat. You can also cover and fry the parwals on lowest heat to expedite the process.
  6. Then add the poppy seeds paste and mustard powder mixture to the kadhai. Also add turmeric powder, sugar and salt to taste.
  7. Sauté the spices on medium heat for 10 minutes until oil starts to release. Then add about a cup of water or just enough to keep the parwals inside the water.
  8. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Then cover and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the parwal pieces are soft and cooked through.
  9. Once the veggies are cooked through, boil off any excess water by cooking it uncovered on high flame for few minutes. The consistency of the gravy should be thick and clinging to the vegetables. Check and adjust for the seasoning if needed.
  10. Remove from flame and serve the hot potol posto with rice and dal. Enjoy!
Recipe by Everyday Indian Recipes at http://everydayindianrecipes.flavorquotient.com/potol-posto-bengali/