Aloo Posto (Potatoes in aromatic poppy seed paste)

A very simple and quick recipe for posto/ poppy lovers. Poppy has a nice nutty, aromatic and delicate flavor that typically compliments well with anything that has a delicate flavor too, for example, potatoes, fish, chicken, zucchini, etc.

You need:

Potatoes - 3 nos. (Peeled and cut into cubes)

Nigella seeds - 3/4 tsp

Green chili - 2-3 (slit lengthwise)

Poppy seed paste - 2 Tbsp

Turmeric

Salt

Fresh green coriander/ cilantro to garnish

Oil

1) Heat oil in a pan and add nigella seeds.

2) Once you get the aroma add the green chili, followed by turmeric and salt. Once a little brown, add a 2 tbsp of water, cover and cook till almost done. ( You can also used pre-boiled potatoes, but make sure they are not so soft that they break when you stir)

3) Add the poppy seed paste and cook for some more time. Add water based on the consistency you like. Garnish with coriander leaves/ cilantro.

*tastes nice with parathas/ puris. (Indian flat bread - shallow fried or deep fried)

Kundru in poppy seed

You need:

Kundru/ Tindora - 300 grams

Oil

Cumin powder - 1tsp

Coriander powder - 1tsp

Red chili powder - 1tsp

Dry mango powder (aam choor) - 1 tsp

Turmeric - 1/2 tsp

Nigella seeds/ Kalonji/ Onion seeds - 1/2 tsp

Dry red chili - 2-3

Poppy seed paste - 3 Tbsp

Salt

1) Slit the Kundru or Tindora vertically in 4 long slices in such a way that one end stays intact and holds the 4 cut slices (like the stem of a flower).

2) In a bowl toss kundru with little oil, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, dry mango powder (aam choor), little turmeric and salt.

3) Heat oil in a pan and temper the oil with nigella seeds/ kalonji/ onion seeds and dry red chili.

4) Add the kundru and stir so that the all the spices get coated. Saute them on high flame for 3-4 min(skin looks a little crispy and looks light brownish in color). Turn heat to medium high, cover and cook till 3/4 done.

5) Add poppy seed paste and mix well. Add a little water if required and cook till the kundru is cooked and the water has dried up. Garnish with cilantro leaves.

*Soak poppy seeds in water for 15-20 min. Blend in a spice grinder for a nice smooth paste.

**You can use poppy seed powder too, but it doesn't taste as good.