Mochar Ghonto: Traditional Banana Blossom Curry from West Bengal
Introduction:
Mochar Ghonto is a unique and beloved dish from the vibrant state of West Bengal, India. The key ingredient in this vegetarian curry is banana blossom (Vazhaipoo), which is cooked along with potatoes, spices, and freshly grated coconut to create a delightful combination of flavors. This dish is often served with steaming rice and ghee, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The preparation of the banana blossom might seem labor-intensive, but the end result is worth every effort. It’s a traditional Bengali recipe, typically enjoyed for dinner or special occasions, and a fantastic way to include a lesser-known vegetable in your meals.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Banana flower (Vazhaipoo) | 1, cleaned and chopped |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1, cubed |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon, divided |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Fresh coconut, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Mustard oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ginger, grated | 1/2 inch |
| Garlic, grated | 4 cloves |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 80 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Bengali Recipes
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Banana Blossom:
Begin by preparing the banana blossom, or plantain flower. Oil your hands before you begin working with the flowers to prevent staining and make handling easier. Peel off the outer purple layers and remove the small florets from inside. Each floret contains a long stamen with a round head and a thin, translucent cover—both need to be removed. Once the florets are cleaned, chop them finely. -
Soak the Banana Blossom:
To prevent any bitterness, soak the chopped banana blossoms in diluted buttermilk or plain water. Add turmeric powder and salt to the soaking liquid. Let the blossoms soak for at least 30 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for best results). -
Cook the Banana Blossom:
After soaking, drain the water from the banana blossoms. Pressure cook them with half a cup of water for about 2 whistles. Once done, allow the cooked banana blossoms to cool. Using the back of a ladle, gently mash them to a coarse consistency. -
Prepare the Curry:
Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over a low flame. Once the oil begins to smoke, add the bay leaves and cumin seeds. Stir for a few seconds to release their aroma. -
Add Aromatics and Potatoes:
Add the grated ginger and garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds. Then, stir in the cubed potatoes, red chilli powder, salt, and a quarter cup of water. Let the potatoes cook for 5-7 minutes until they become tender. -
Add Banana Blossom and Sugar:
Once the potatoes are cooked and slightly dry, add the mashed banana blossom and sugar to the pan. Mix well, then cover and cook for another 2 minutes to let the flavors meld together. -
Final Touches:
Adjust the salt as needed and add the ground coconut and chopped green chillies. Immediately stir in the garam masala powder for an extra burst of flavor. Cook the curry over medium heat for a few more minutes, then remove from heat. -
Serve:
Mochar Ghonto is traditionally served as a dry curry. Garnish with a teaspoon of ghee before serving. It pairs beautifully with steaming hot rice for a fulfilling meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This Mochar Ghonto makes for a fantastic accompaniment to white rice or parathas, and the addition of ghee enhances the dish’s flavor profile. Whether it’s a regular weeknight dinner or a special Bengali meal, this dish will surely leave your guests asking for more.
Tips for Making Mochar Ghonto:
- If you cannot find fresh banana blossoms, you may use frozen banana blossom, available in some specialty stores. However, fresh blossoms yield the best texture and flavor.
- Be sure to oil your hands while cleaning the banana blossoms to prevent staining.
- The sugar added to this dish balances the slight bitterness of the banana blossom, so be sure not to skip this ingredient.
Mochar Ghonto is an excellent choice for anyone looking to explore the rich, unique flavors of Bengali cuisine. It’s a nutritious, satisfying, and aromatic dish that will bring a taste of India right to your kitchen!
