Chanar Paturi Recipe: A Flavorful Bengali Delight
Chana Paturi is a quintessential Bengali dish that beautifully blends the flavors of fresh paneer (locally known as chana) with the boldness of mustard, grated coconut, and the heat from green chillies. This recipe is often prepared in Bengali households, making it a staple for daily meals. The distinctive flavors and aroma make it equally fitting for special occasions and parties as well. Whether you’re looking to experience the essence of Bengali cuisine or craving a healthy and protein-packed vegetarian dish, Chanar Paturi is the perfect choice.
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Lunch
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients for Chanar Paturi
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paneer (Chana) | 250 grams |
| Mustard Seeds | 1/4 cup |
| Grated Coconut | 2 tablespoons |
| Green Chillies (chopped) | 3 |
| Mustard Oil | 3 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pumpkin Leaves | 2 |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 2-3 people
Instructions for Making Chanar Paturi
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Prepare the Mustard Paste:
Start by grinding mustard seeds with a little water in a mortar and pestle to form a smooth paste. Add the grated coconut and chopped green chillies into the mix and continue grinding until everything is well-combined. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set it aside. -
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Prepare the Paneer Mixture:
In a separate bowl, add the mustard paste you just made. Combine it with salt, turmeric powder, lemon juice, sugar, and the fresh paneer. Gently mash the paneer with the mixture to ensure it absorbs all the flavors. -
Wrap the Paneer:
Take two large pumpkin leaves and brush them generously with mustard oil to ensure they don’t stick during steaming. Place the prepared paneer mixture onto the center of each leaf and fold the edges to wrap it tightly. Secure the parcel using a toothpick or tie it with a piece of thread to keep the mixture intact. -
Steam the Chanar Paturi:
In a steamer, fill the bottom with water and place a bowl on the rack. Place the wrapped paneer parcels in the bowl and cover the steamer with its lid. Let the parcels steam for about 5 to 10 minutes. The gentle steaming allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a soft, aromatic, and flavorful dish. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the Chanar Paturi is steamed, carefully remove the pumpkin leaves. Serve the dish hot with Began Bhaja (fried eggplant slices) and steamed rice for a classic Bengali lunch.
Why You’ll Love Chanar Paturi
This dish offers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The mustard and coconut paste adds richness to the soft paneer, while the pumpkin leaves infuse an earthy aroma into the dish. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or exploring something new, Chanar Paturi will transport you straight to the heart of Bengal with every bite.
Enjoy this simple yet flavorful dish as part of your lunch or impress your guests with its authenticity at your next gathering!
