Aloo Posto Bengali style is an all-time favourite Bengali potato recipe which combines cubed potatoes with thick poppy seed paste, topped with some mustard oil. Alu posto combined with Kalai Dal is simply bliss.
Aloo Posto, a beloved Bengali dish, combines the humble potato with the unique flavor of poppy seeds. This simple yet flavorful recipe has been a staple in Bengali households for generations. The dish’s popularity stems from its creamy texture, nutty taste, and the comforting warmth it brings to any meal.
Goodness of Poppy Seeds:
Poppy seeds are tiny kidney-shaped oilseeds obtained from opium poppy. The seeds are used as ingredients – either whole or ground – in many foods.
Poppy seeds are highly nutritious – they are rich in calcium and phosphorus – both required for good bone health.
Aloo Posto Bengali Recipe:
Aloo Posto is more than just a recipe; it’s a taste of Bengali tradition and home-cooked comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish offers a simple yet satisfying culinary experience. The combination of creamy potatoes and nutty poppy seeds creates a unique flavor profile that’s sure to please your palate.
Potatoes cooked together with ground poppy seeds paste is a Bengali delicacy. This is an excellent posto dish and so very easy to make.
- To make this authentic Bengali posto aloo recipe, peel and dice the potato into cubes. Keep them immersed in water or else they tend to blacken. Slit the green chillies.
- Meanwhile, soak poppy seeds in warm water for about half-an-hour at least – the longer the poppy seeds are soaked, the easier it gets to grind them. After posto is well-soaked, drain the water and grind the poppy seeds/posto to a thick smooth paste.
- Heat oil in a pan – you can use mustard oil.
- Then, add onion seeds/kala jeera and once they start to splutter, add the green chillies and potato cubes.
- Sauté for 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is mixed well.
- Next, add turmeric, salt, sugar and water. Stir well, cover and cook till the potatoes are ¾ done.
- Now add the poppy seeds paste and combine well. Simmer and cook till the potatoes are done and the dish is almost dry. Ensure the potatoes are well coated with the khus khus paste.
- Finally, add mustard oil for added flavour and mix well.
- Remove and serve Bengali Aloo Posto with bhaat, biuli dal and a wedge of lemon.
- If you are searching for more poppy seeds recipes, then do try out Poppy Seeds And Coconut Fritters.
Aloo Posto Serving Suggestions
Alu Posto pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed white rice
- Bengali-style luchi
- Roti or chapati
- As a side dish with dal and rice
For a complete Bengali meal, serve Aloo Posto alongside Bengali-style fish curry and steamed rice.
Aloo Posto Variations
Experiment with these variations to add a twist to the traditional Alu Posto Bengali recipe:
- Aloo Posto with Peas: Add green peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Eggplant Posto: Replace potatoes with cubed eggplant for a different texture.
- Posto Bora: Form small patties with the poppy seed mixture and fry them for a crunchy snack.
- Aloo Posto with Coconut: Add grated coconut for a subtle sweetness and richness.
Tips for the Perfect Alu Posto
To elevate your Aloo Posto Bengali recipe, consider these tips:
- For the best flavor, use freshly ground poppy seeds.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes; they should be tender but not mushy.
- Adjust the amount of green chilies to suit your spice preference.
- For an authentic taste, use mustard oil instead of regular cooking oil.
Alu Posto Recipe details below:
Alu Posto Bengali Recipe
Ingredients
- Poppy seeds/Posto – 5 tbsp
- Green chillies – 2, slit
- Onion seeds – ½ tsp
- Turmeric – ¼ tsp
- Sugar, optional – ¼ tsp
- Salt to taste
- Oil – 1tbsp
- Water as required
- Mustard Oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Firstly, wash and peel the potatoes. Cut into cubes.
- Soak the poppy seeds in warm water for 30 minutes. Drain and grind posto to a smooth paste (posto bata), using little water and keep aside. For a spicier dish, you can add 1-2 green chillies and grind along with poppy seeds.
- Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan. Add kala jeera and let it splutter.
- Add the green chillies and potato cubes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Add salt, turmeric, sugar and sufficient water. Cover and cook till the potatoes are 3/4th done.
- Add the poppy-seeds paste and simmer till the potatoes are cooked through and all the water evaporates.
- Finally, drizzle one tablespoon of mustard oil on top, blend well and remove.
- Serve Bengali Aloo Posto with Rice and kolai-er dal
Notes
- You can use paanch phodon instead of kala jeera.
- A pinch of cumin powder can be added.
- Chopped onions and 1-2 dry red chillies added to tempering takes this dish to another level.
Questions re your Aloo Posto recipe. I really like the sound of it, but I’m a novice. How much kala jeera? And when does the kalonji go in? I’m thinking with the kala jeera?
Hi, thanks for your query – about 1/2 tsp of Kala jeera would do. Heat oil in a pan and then add the kala jeera (onion seeds) followed by green chilli and potatoes. Follow the recipe as given.