Bengali · serves 2

Aloo Posto

Poppy seed paste and potatoes. Four ingredients, unmistakably Bengali.

30 min Some work Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 4 potatoes, cubed
  • 4 tbsp poppy seeds (posto), soaked 20 min
  • 3 green chillies
  • 1/2 tsp nigella seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 3 tbsp mustard oil

Method

  1. Grind the soaked poppy seeds with 2 green chillies and a splash of water into a fine paste. Coarse paste means gritty sabzi.
  2. Heat mustard oil till it smokes, cool a little, add nigella seeds and a slit chilli.
  3. Potatoes, turmeric, salt. Fry 6 minutes till the edges colour.
  4. Add 1/2 cup water, cover, cook till nearly tender.
  5. Poppy paste in, cook 6 minutes uncovered till it coats the potatoes and the oil shows.
  6. Raw mustard oil drizzled on top. Plain rice.

Questions people ask about Aloo Posto

How long does Aloo Posto take?

About 30 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. Most of that is active, so read the method through before you start rather than chopping as you go.

What can I use instead of potato in Aloo Posto?

Use waxy potatoes hold their shape, floury ones fall apart. For curries you want waxy.

Can I make Aloo Posto ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours ahead and reheat gently. It keeps two days in the fridge, though it is best on the day.

Is Aloo Posto vegetarian?

Yes, and as written it is vegan too. Check your specific brands if that matters to you.

What do you serve with Aloo Posto?

Plain rice. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

Don't know what to cook? Let it decide →

More ideas by ingredient

If you liked this

Ghugni
35 min · Easy
Labra
35 min · Easy
Cholar Dal
40 min · Some work
Shukto
40 min · Some work
Begun Bhaja
15 min · Easy
Kolkata Egg Roll
20 min · Some work