Poshto Phoolkopi Recipe (Cauliflower & Potato in Poppy Seeds Gravy)
Poshto Phoolkopi, a delectable Bengali dish, combines the earthy flavors of cauliflower and potatoes with the unique taste of poppy seeds. It is a delightful vegetarian recipe that is perfect for a cozy lunch or weekend gathering with family and friends. This dish is an excellent balance of textures and tastes, from the tender vegetables to the rich, fragrant gravy that is spiced with green chilies, mustard oil, and kalonji (onion nigella seeds). The dish is a perfect accompaniment to traditional Bengali breads like Luchi and is enjoyed with a bowl of warm rice.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (gobi), cut into florets | 1 medium-sized head |
| Potatoes (Aloo), peeled and cubed | 2 large |
| Poppy seeds | 5 tablespoons |
| Green chilies | 7 whole |
| Kalonji (Onion nigella seeds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Green chilies (slit) | 2 whole |
| Mustard oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | 1 tablespoon (chopped) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 25 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients used.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Blanch the Vegetables
Start by boiling water in a medium-sized saucepan. Add a pinch of salt to the water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and the cubed potatoes to the water and cook them for about 3 minutes, just enough to slightly soften them. Drain the vegetables and set them aside. -
Fry the Vegetables
In a heavy-bottomed frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cauliflower florets and potatoes. Fry them until they turn a light golden brown on all sides. Once fried, remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside. -
Prepare the Poppy Seed Paste
Rinse the poppy seeds thoroughly with water. In a small grinder or blender, combine the poppy seeds and 7 whole green chilies. Add a small amount of water at a time to grind them into a smooth paste. Set the poppy seed paste aside. -
Cook the Spices
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of mustard oil. Once the oil heats up, add 1 teaspoon of kalonji (onion nigella seeds) and the 2 slit green chilies. Allow them to splutter for a few seconds. -
Add the Vegetables and Spices
Once the spices are aromatic, add the fried cauliflower and potatoes back into the pan. Add salt to taste, followed by turmeric powder and the prepared poppy seed paste. Stir everything together gently to coat the vegetables in the spice mixture. -
Simmer the Curry
Cover the pan and cook the vegetables in the gravy on a low flame for about 5 minutes. If needed, add a little water to keep the curry thick and prevent it from drying out. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure the spices are well incorporated. -
Sweeten the Dish
After 5 minutes, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the curry. Stir to combine and cook for another minute, allowing the sugar to dissolve into the sauce. -
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish the Poshto Phoolkopi with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve this flavorful dish hot, paired with steamed rice or traditional Bengali Luchi for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Poshto Phoolkopi is best enjoyed as part of a traditional Bengali meal. To make the meal even more special, serve it alongside Bengali Chapor Ghonto (a mixed vegetable dish) and Bengali Luchi (fried bread). The rich, spicy gravy and the crunchy texture of the fried vegetables pair beautifully with the soft, pillowy luchi.
This dish is ideal for a family lunch or when hosting a casual gathering. It can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated when needed, making it a convenient and flavorful option for busy days.
Tips for Success
- Freshness of Poppy Seeds: For the best results, ensure that your poppy seeds are fresh and not stale. Fresh poppy seeds will lend a much richer flavor to the dish.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the number of green chilies. Conversely, add more green chilies if you enjoy a spicier dish.
- Oil Variations: While mustard oil adds a signature flavor to Bengali dishes, you can substitute it with vegetable oil if you prefer a more neutral taste.
- Consistency of Gravy: Adjust the amount of water to your preference for a thicker or more soupy consistency.
This delightful Poshto Phoolkopi recipe celebrates the use of simple, wholesome ingredients, combining them into a dish that is flavorful, aromatic, and satisfying. The marriage of poppy seeds with vegetables in this Bengali specialty is a testament to the richness of Indian regional cuisines. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet family lunch or preparing for a festive gathering, this dish will surely be a hit!
