Mochar Ghonto is a traditional Bengali delicacy that has been a part of the Bengali cuisine for generations. This dish is made with banana flower, which is also known as mocha in Bengali. The flower has a meaty texture and a slightly bitter taste that adds a unique flavor to the dish. Mochar Ghonto is a perfect blend of spices and vegetables that is full of flavors and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of finely chopped banana flower
- 1 medium-sized potato, cut into small cubes
- 1 medium-sized onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon of garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala powder
- Salt to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of mustard oil
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 2-3 cloves
Instructions:
- Cleaning and preparing the banana flower: The banana flower is the star ingredient of this dish, but it requires some effort to clean and prepare it for cooking. First, remove the outer layers of the flower until you reach the white part. Then, remove the stamen from each flower and chop the white part into small pieces. Soak the chopped flower in water with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder to prevent discoloration.
- Preparing the spices: In a small bowl, mix the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Keep this spice mixture aside.
- Cooking the vegetables: In a pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of mustard oil. Once the oil is hot, add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, and cloves. Stir for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma. Then add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Next, add the ginger paste and garlic paste and stir for a few seconds. Add the potato cubes and sauté until they are slightly cooked. Then add the chopped banana flower and mix well. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the vegetables are cooked.
- Adding the spice mixture: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the spice mixture to the pan and mix well. Add salt to taste and mix again. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for another 10-15 minutes until the spices are well incorporated and the vegetables are fully cooked.
- Garnishing and serving: Once the Mochar Ghonto is ready, garnish it with some fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips:
- While cleaning the banana flower, make sure to remove all the stamen as they can be tough and stringy.
- Soaking the chopped banana flower in water with a pinch of salt and turmeric powder prevents discoloration and removes any bitterness.
- Use mustard oil for cooking as it adds a unique flavor to the dish. If you don’t have mustard oil, you can use any other cooking oil of your choice.
- Adjust the spices and salt according to your taste preference.
- Mochar Ghonto tastes best when served hot with steamed rice.
Benefits of Mochar Ghonto:
Mochar Ghonto is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. The banana flower is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is known to aid digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and boost immunity.
