Bandhakopir Ghonto Recipe (Bengali Style Cabbage Fry)
Bandhakopir Ghonto, a traditional dish from Bengali cuisine, is a flavorful and wholesome stir-fry made with cabbage, potatoes, and aromatic spices. Known for its simplicity and robust flavors, this dish is both nutritious and delicious, making it an ideal choice for a weekday lunch or dinner. The humble cabbage is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamin E for healthy skin and hair, vitamin K for brain function and nerve protection, and its anti-inflammatory properties help boost immunity. With a combination of spices like turmeric, cumin, and garam masala, Bandhakopir Ghonto becomes a perfect accompaniment to rice or rotis.
Whether you’re looking for a light vegetarian dish or simply want to explore the rich flavors of Bengali cooking, this easy-to-make stir-fry will leave you craving more. With its balance of heat, sweetness, and earthy flavors, Bandhakopir Ghonto promises to elevate any meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose), shredded | 1 whole medium-sized cabbage |
| Potato (Aloo), cubed | 1 large potato |
| Green peas (Matar), shelled | 1/4 cup |
| Tomato, finely chopped | 1 medium-sized |
| Green chillies, cut lengthwise | 2 (or to taste) |
| Ginger, grated | 1/2 inch piece |
| Mustard oil | 2 teaspoons (for frying) |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
For Tempering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf (Tej Patta) | 1 |
| Dry red chilli, halved | 1 |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3-4
Instructions:
-
Fry the Potatoes:
Heat a kadai or wok over medium-high heat and add the mustard oil. Once the oil begins to smoke, add the cubed potatoes along with a pinch of turmeric and salt to taste. Fry the potatoes over medium flame until they are golden and crisp. Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a separate container and set them aside. -
Cook the Cabbage:
In the same wok, add the shredded cabbage along with the remaining turmeric powder, salt (to taste), and 1/4 cup of water. Cover the wok and cook on a low flame for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, open the lid and continue cooking the cabbage over medium flame, stirring occasionally, until the excess water evaporates and the cabbage is tender. -
Prepare the Tempering:
Return the wok to the stove on low heat. Add the mustard oil for tempering. Once the oil heats up, add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, and dry red chilli. Allow the tempering to crackle for a few seconds, releasing their fragrance. -
Add Aromatics and Spices:
To the tempered oil, add the green chillies, grated ginger, and finely chopped tomatoes. Stir the mixture well and cook the tomatoes until they soften and become mushy. Sprinkle in the red chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and a pinch of salt. Continue to cook the tomato-spice mixture, stirring constantly, until the oil begins to separate from the masala. -
Combine the Potatoes and Cabbage:
Add the cooked cabbage and fried potatoes back into the wok. Gently stir to combine the ingredients, making sure the cabbage and potatoes are evenly coated with the aromatic spices. Cook for another 2 minutes on low to medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touch:
Sprinkle sugar over the dish and mix well. The sugar balances out the spices and adds a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Adjust salt as needed. -
Serve:
Your delicious Bandhakopir Ghonto is now ready to serve! Pair it with Bengali Luchi (deep-fried flatbreads) and Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita for a complete meal. This dish also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or chapatis for a hearty, satisfying lunch or dinner.
Tips & Variations:
- For a spicier version, you can increase the number of green chillies or add a pinch of crushed black pepper.
- To make it richer, you can add a bit of ghee towards the end of cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
- You can substitute potatoes with carrots or paneer for a different twist.
Bandhakopir Ghonto is a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when combined with aromatic spices, can create a dish bursting with flavor. Easy to make, healthy, and packed with nutrients, this Bengali cabbage stir fry will quickly become a staple in your home. Enjoy!
