Name: Jhinge Posto
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 servings
Ingredients: 0 2 small ridge gourds (jhinge), peeled, and cut into small pieces; 3 tbsp poppy seeds (posto); 0 2 (3 green chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)); 0.5 tsp turmeric powder; 0.5 tsp mustard oil; 0 Salt to taste; 1 tbsp mustard oil (for tempering); 0.5 tsp nigella seeds (kalonji); 0 1 (2 dried red chilies); 0 A few curry leaves (optional) (optional); 0 Water

Instructions

Wash and peel the ridge gourds, then cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Grind the poppy seeds and green chilies with a little water to form a smooth paste. You may need to soak the poppy seeds for a couple of hours or overnight to soften them before grinding.
Heat 1/2 teaspoon of mustard oil in a pan and add the ridge gourd pieces. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become slightly tender. Remove the ridge gourd pieces from the pan and set them aside.
In the same pan, add another 1/2 teaspoon of mustard oil. Add nigella seeds (kalonji), dried red chilies, and curry leaves (if using). Sauté for a minute until they release their aroma.
Reduce the heat to low and add the poppy seed paste to the pan. Cook the paste for a few minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Add turmeric powder and salt, and mix well.
Return the sautéed ridge gourd pieces to the pan and mix them with the poppy seed paste.
Add a little water to achieve the desired consistency (usually a thick, creamy texture). Stir well and simmer for a few more minutes until the ridge gourd is completely cooked and the posto paste is well incorporated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it spicier, you can add more chopped green chilies.
Once the Jhinge Posto is cooked through and the consistency is as desired, remove it from heat.
Serve the Jhinge Posto with steamed rice for a delicious Bengali meal.
Jhinge Posto is a flavorful dish with a unique blend of flavors, and the creaminess of the poppy seed paste complements the ridge gourd wonderfully. Enjoy this traditional Bengali dish as part of your meal.