MOCHAR GHONTO (BANANA BLOSSOMS)

Ingredients

• Mocha (Banana blossoms), chopped – 1 large size
• Potato, cut into cube pieces – 1 large size
• Green chillies – 3 to 4
• Red chilli – 2
• Coconut, grated – 1 cup
• Bay leaf – 1
• Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
• Ginger paste – 1 tsp
• Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
• Cumin powder – 1 tsp
• Coriander powder – 1 tsp
• Garam masala powder – 1 tsp
• Ghee – as required
• Salt – to taste
• Sugar – 1 tsp
• Oil – as required

Method

First, take the florets and remove the translucent thin cover & the stamen. Now chop the florets finely & soak them in plain water. Boil the chopped florets with salt and turmeric powder. After boiling, wash it again with water. Drain the water and keep it aside.

Heat oil in a pan. Sauté bay leaf, red chilli and cumin seeds. Add potato pieces and fry it till half cooked. Add the ginger paste and grated coconut and fry it for another 5mins. Now add turmeric powder, cumin & coriander powder, garam masala powder, salt, sugar and 1 tsp ghee. Add warm water and cook it for 2mins. Add the boiled mocha. Cook it with covered lid till it becomes dry. Add 1 tsp of ghee and serve hot. Enjoy this traditional Bengali dish with steamed rice.