Aloo Posto: Unraveling the History Behind this Classic Bengali Dish

 Hello and welcome to my blog today I would share with you a delicious Bengali dish that can be prepared with less ingredients and easy to prepare,  today I would share with you  aloo posto recipe also known as bengali aloo posto or simply aloo posto. 


Basic outline for bengali aloo posto

  • Introduction of posto dish
  • Ingredients for aloo posto
  • Pre cooking preparations for alu posto 
  • Method of preparation of aloo posto
  • Tips for good aloo posto 
  • Serving suggestions for aloo posto 
  • Conclusion 
  • FAQS 


   bengali aloo posto


aloo posto
bengali aloo posto

Aloo posto is a delicious bengali dish that is prepared with potatoes which are cooked in a poppy seeds paste. aloo posto is a vegan and gluten-free recipe that is enjoyed with rice and dal, aloo posto has a tasty earthly flavour that comes from the poppy seeds paste after being fried with spices. The posto dish is prepared with chilies, Panchforon, poppy seeds paste, salt and mustard oil for extra flavour.

bengali aloo posto is easy to make with few ingredients it is a staple and a comfort food for many bengalis and also a symbol of culture and tradition aloo posto is a important dish in bengali foods, bengali aloo posto are valued for their nutty flavour, soothing effect and medicinal properties 

aloo posto is enjoyed by bengalis of all ages and regions it is also a easy and simple dish which requires a few spices and ingredients, it can be eaten on any occasion including festivals, weddings and fasting days. aloo posto is more than just a food it is a symbol of bengali identity and heritage.

The origin of aloo posto believed to date back from the british era when the east india company turned most of the agricultural land into poppy fields for the production of opium, which led to shortage of other vegetables then a farmer's wife experimented with leftover poppy seeds and potatoes and invented a dish which became a staple and a delicacy in bengali foods which is served as a side dish with steamed rice and dal.


Ingredients needed for aloo posto recipe: 

aloo posto
Ingredients for aloo posto


  1. Potatoes
  2. Posto/ poppy seeds 
  3. Onions
  4. Mustard oil 
  5. Panchforon (a mix mouri methi and nigella seeds)
  6. Dry red chilli 
  7. Salt 
  8. Glass of water 


Pre cooking preparations for alu posto recipe:

  • Cut the potatoes into cubes 
  • Hand ground the poppy seeds into a paste with water 
  • Wash the potatoes 
  • Grind the poppy seeds by a shil nora (a traditional grinding stone consists of a bigger and one smaller) or a mixer grinder 
alu posto recipe
Poppy seeds paste 


Cooking method for bengali aloo posto: 


1. Take a kadhai and heat some mustard oil and stir it.

bengali aloo posto
Heating mustard oil 




2. When the oil is heated and a broken dry red chilli and fry it.

aloo posto recipe
Frying dry red chilli 



3. Now add the onions and fry the onions. 

bengali aloo posto
Frying onions 



4. When the onions are somewhat fried add Panchforon and fry with the onions until the onions give a reddish- brown colour. 

aloo posto recipe
Adding Panchforon 



5. Now add the potatoes and fry with the ingredients together for some minutes.

aloo posto
Adding and Frying onions 



6. Now add some salt and cook with the potatoes until a brown colour comes on the potatoes.

alu posto recipe
Adding some salt 




7. When the potatoes are fried add 1 and half glass of water and stir it gently and cover the kadhai.

posto dish
Adding water 



8. Now open the cover and add the poppy seeds paste and mix together.

aloo posto recipe
Adding poppy seeds paste 



9. Let the potatoes and poppy seeds boil for some minutes and the water to evaporate out.

how to make aloo posto
Boiling potatoes and poppy seeds paste 



10. After some wait when the extra water has been vaporised lightly break and lightly mash the potatoes for getting a good texture and flavour and for making the aloo posto thicker. 

11. Taste the salt and if it is less add some more and now turn off the heat and take aside... , our authentic bengali aloo posto recipe is now ready to be served .. 

bengali aloo posto
aloo posto 


Tips for achieving a good texture, flavour and thickness 


  1. Always use good quality potatoes and ingredients.
  2. Grind the poppy seeds by hand on a shil nora(a traditional grinding stone).
  3. Slightly break and slightly mash the potatoes at the last to make the aloo posto thicker.
  4. Fry the onions until a brown colour comes out.
  5. Always use mustard oil for good flavour.
  6. Serve hot with steamed rice and dal.
how to make aloo posto
aloo posto


Serving for bengali aloo posto 


aloo posto is usually served as a side dish with rice and dal or with luchi or puri, some people like to add lemon juice for a tangy flavour. Here are some serving for aloo posto recipe:

1. You can serve aloo posto with phalguni dal, which is a simple and aromatic lentil dish made with moong dal, ghee and Panchforon.

2. You can serve aloo posto with cholar dal, which is a rich and creamy dal prepared with chana dal and spices, it is a popular combination for feastive occasions and weekends.

3. You can garnish with some chopped coriander leaves or fried onions for extra flavour and taste.

4. You can also try aloo posto with roti, paratha or poori if you prefer wheat based foods over rice. 


Health benefits of aloo posto recipe 


Aloo posto is a popular dish from bengali foods. Which has some health benefits, such as:

1. Poppy Seed contains rich dietary fiber, protein and essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium phosphorus and zinc.

2. Poppy Seed contains omega-6 fatty acids which are good for heart health.

3. Poppy Seed have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which can help in digestion, blood sugar control, pain relief and mental health 

4. Potatoes are good source of carbohydrates, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and potassium which provide energy, immunity, nerve function and blood pressure regulation.

However the food also has some drawbacks, like:

1. Potatoes are high in simple carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain and are not good for people with diabetes, heart problems and obesity.

2. Poppy Seeds can sometimes can result in false drug positive test for opoids, as they contain trace amounts of opium alkaloids.

3. Poppy seeds may cause allergic reactions, like itching, swelling and breathing difficulties, in some people.

Therefore aloo posto should be consumed in moderation and with some caution especially for people who have health issues or are undergoing drug testing. aloo posto can be a tasty and nutritious food.

nutrition Information for bengali aloo posto(per serving)


1 small plate of aloo posto
calories 163kcal
Total fat 7.96g
Saturated Fat 0g
cholesterol 0mg
sodium 6.17mg
total carbohydrates 18.67g
dietary fiber 1.5g

sugars 0g
protein 4.26g
calcium 250.42mg
iron 2.75mg
potassium 144.67mg
phosphorus 93.13mg
Vitamin C 10.33mg
Magnesium 56.22mg


alu posto recipe
Aloo posto 



Conclusion

In conclusion aloo posto is a delicious and a easy dish that showcases the unique flavour and texture of Poppy seeds, it is a staple of Bengali foods which can be enjoyed with rice, roti or poori. Moreover aloo posto is vegan and gluten-free making it suitable for various dietary preferences, weather you are looking for a simple weekend meal or a special occasion treat, aloo posto can surely satisfy your tastes. Try the aloo posto recipe today and experience the authentic taste of Bengali foods.





Frequently asked questions for aloo posto 


What is aloo posto?

aloo posto is a traditional Bengali food of potatoes cooked in Poppy seeds paste with spices and mustard oil. It is simple, vegan and gluten-free dish that goes with rice, dal or roti.

How to make aloo posto?

To make aloo posto, first soak Poppy seeds for some time and grind them into a paste with water. Then heat mustard oil in a kadhai add dry red chilli and then fry onions and then add Panchforon. Add the potatoes, salt and water and cook until the potatoes boil, finally add the poppy seeds paste and cook gently until the gravy thickens 

What are health benefits of aloo posto?

aloo posto is a nutritious dish that provides with carbohydrates, protein, fiber and healthy fats. Poppy Seeds are rich in calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc, which are helpful for bone health, blood sugar control and immunity. They have a calming effect on the nerves and help with insomnia, anxiety and pain. Mustard oil is good source of omega fatty acids which can lower cholesterol, inflammation and blood pressure.


Thanks for reading......

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