Posto Chicken Recipe – Bengali Chicken in Poppy Seed Paste
Posto Chicken, a signature Bengali dish, combines the delicate flavor of chicken with the creamy richness of poppy seeds. The chicken is marinated with aromatic spices, then slow-cooked in a thick, flavorful poppy seed paste that makes for a mouthwatering curry. This traditional recipe highlights the essence of Bengali cooking, where mustard oil and a medley of whole spices create a delightful harmony of flavors. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this curry will surely impress!
Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 750 grams (cut into small pieces) |
| Poppy seeds | 6 tablespoons (soaked in 1/2 cup water) |
| Garlic | 6 cloves |
| Ginger | 1 inch (peeled) |
| Green Chillies | 4 whole |
| Onion | 2 medium (finely chopped) |
| Tomato | 1 medium (finely chopped) |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mustard oil | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Whole Spices: | |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 leaf |
| Cloves (Laung) | 4 cloves |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 4 pods |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch stick |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| For Marination: | |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Ginger paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Garlic paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mustard oil | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Instructions:
-
Marinate the Chicken:
Begin by washing and cleaning the chicken pieces thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with lemon juice, ginger paste, garlic paste, salt, turmeric powder, and mustard oil. Mix well, ensuring each piece is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This will allow the flavors to meld and infuse into the chicken. -
Prepare the Poppy Seed Paste:
While the chicken marinates, take the soaked poppy seeds and grind them into a smooth paste. Add cloves, ginger, and green chilies to the poppy seeds while grinding to create a flavorful and aromatic paste. Set this aside. -
Cook the Spices:
Heat mustard oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the bay leaf, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and fennel seeds. Let these whole spices sizzle and release their fragrance, which will form the base of your curry’s flavor profile. -
Sauté the Onions and Tomatoes:
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them until they turn golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy. -
Add the Poppy Seed Paste and Spices:
Stir in the poppy seed paste, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the spices to blend and the oil to separate from the masala. -
Cook the Chicken:
Add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan and fry them for about 5 minutes. Stir the chicken well so that it gets evenly coated with the masala. As you cook, the raw smell of the chicken should disappear, and the pieces will begin to turn light yellow. -
Simmer the Curry:
Adjust the salt to taste, then add about 1/2 cup of water or more if you prefer a thinner gravy. Stir to combine, then cover the pan with a lid. Let the chicken cook on low-medium heat for about 20-30 minutes or until it is fully cooked and tender. -
Garnish and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through and the curry has thickened, garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with steamed rice for a classic Bengali meal. For a complete Sunday lunch experience, pair your Posto Chicken with a side of Bengali Bhetki Macher Paturi.
Serving Suggestions:
Posto Chicken is best enjoyed with steamed rice, allowing the creamy, flavorful gravy to complement the tender chicken. For an authentic Bengali touch, serve it alongside Bengali Bhetki Macher Paturi (fish wrapped in banana leaves) for a complete feast. This rich and creamy curry is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~30 grams |
| Carbohydrates | ~12 grams |
| Fat | ~20 grams |
| Fiber | ~2 grams |
| Sodium | ~450 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Posto Chicken offers a perfect balance of spice and creaminess, making it an ideal addition to your dinner menu. The poppy seeds add a unique texture, while the whole spices impart a warm, aromatic depth to the dish. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting guests, this dish will bring a taste of Bengali tradition to your table.
