Bengali Style Sheem Poshto Recipe (Flat Beans in Poppy Seeds)
Bengali cuisine is celebrated for its rich array of flavors, and one such dish that stands out is Bengali Style Sheem Poshto. This recipe combines the earthy flavors of flat beans (Sheem), also known as Hyacinth Beans, with a fragrant poppy seed paste (Poshto Bata), offering a perfect blend of textures and taste. Sheem Poshto is a traditional Bengali dish that’s often served with steamed rice and Bengali Style Cholar Dal, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. In this recipe, mustard oil, poppy seeds, and green chilies come together to create a flavorful, aromatic curry that will leave you craving more.
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Main Curry:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Flat Green Beans (Sheem) | 250 grams, ends cut and chopped into halves |
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 2, peeled and cut into medium-sized pieces |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kalonji (Onion Nigella Seeds) | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Mustard Oil | As needed for cooking |
| Salt | To taste |
For the Poppy Seed Paste (Poshto Bata):
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poppy Seeds | 4 tablespoons |
| Green Chilies | 2, chopped |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 3-4 servings
Instructions
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
Begin by washing and preparing the vegetables. Chop the flat green beans (Sheem) into halves, and peel and cut the potatoes into medium-sized pieces. Set these aside. -
Make the Poppy Seed Paste (Poshto Bata):
In a blender or food processor, grind the poppy seeds and green chilies with a little water to form a smooth paste. Set this paste aside for later use. -
Heat the Mustard Oil:
In a kadai or wok, heat a generous amount of mustard oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and kalonji (onion nigella seeds). Allow them to crackle and release their aroma for about 10 seconds. -
Cook the Beans and Potatoes:
Add the prepared flat beans into the kadai, and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften slightly. Then, add the potato pieces and continue to fry for another 10 minutes. Cover the kadai with a lid during this time to allow the potatoes to cook through. -
Add the Poppy Seed Paste:
Once the potatoes have softened, add the prepared poppy seed paste (Poshto Bata) to the kadai. Stir in turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. Mix everything together thoroughly to coat the vegetables with the flavorful paste. -
Simmer:
Add a little water to the kadai to help cook the vegetables and form a thick gravy. Let the curry simmer on low heat for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens and the oil begins to separate from the curry, signifying that the dish is ready. -
Serve:
Once done, remove the curry from heat. Serve the Bengali Style Sheem Poshto hot, paired with steamed rice and Bengali Style Cholar Dal for a delicious Bengali lunch.
Tips for the Perfect Sheem Poshto:
- If you prefer a milder version of this dish, you can skip the green chilies or reduce their quantity.
- For a more intense flavor, use freshly ground poppy seeds rather than pre-ground ones.
- Kalonji (nigella seeds) are optional, but they add a distinct flavor to the dish that is characteristic of many Bengali recipes.
- The consistency of the curry can be adjusted by adding more or less water, depending on your preference for a dry or slightly gravy-like dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 7g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Sugar | 2g |
Bengali Style Sheem Poshto is a vibrant and aromatic dish that embodies the essence of Bengali cooking. With its unique blend of spices, poppy seed paste, and the sweetness of potatoes, this curry is an absolute delight when paired with warm steamed rice. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and provide a taste of traditional Bengali flavors at your table.
