Janhi - Aloo Posto Curry/ Ridge Gourd and Potatoes cooked with Poppy Seeds

Janhi Aloo Posto is one of my favorite; this is again a very popular dish made in Odisha. There is a variation in way this is made in different places however one thing I can promise is that this a real simple and lip smacking dish. Usually this is served with steamed rice and dal.

Poppy seed is an oilseed obtained from the opium poppy. The tiny kidney-shaped seeds have been harvested from dried seed pods by various civilizations for thousands of years. - Wikipedia

Presenting to you the ingredients required.

A fine paste of poppy seeds makes a big difference to the taste. It should look and feel like cashew nut paste.

Ingredients Required:

Ingredients	Quantity
Ridge Gourd (Fresh)	1 large, cubed
Potato	1 medium, cubed
Poppy Seeds Paste	6 tbsp
Green chilli	2, slit
Onion (Optional- I have not used it in this recipe)	1 small, chopped
Mustard seeds or Kalonji (Kalonji is preferable)	½ tsp
Oil	1 tbsp
Salt	To taste

Turmeric is not added to this recipe however if you are uncomfortable with the same you may add a pinch.

Method of Preparation:

• Dry roast poppy seeds for about 3- 4 minutes on very low heat. Rinse the same in water and drain it to remove impurities. Once it cools down make a fine paste of the same and keep aside.
• In a pan, add oil and when the same is warm put mustard seeds
• Add onions and stir until it becomes translucent
• Now add potatoes and ridge gourd, stir occasionally. Add salt and allow the same to cook. Do cover it with lid. Mkae sure the water from the vegetables evaporates
• Once the vegetables are cooked add green chillies; now you may add poppy seed paste, mix well and cook it further for about 1-2 minutes only and keep it covered
• Janhi Aloo posto is now ready to be served. Have it with rice and dal.

Note: To make a fine paste of poppy seeds; soak poppy seeds( 1/3 cup) in cold water for a minute and place it in the microwave oven then take it out and strain it. Again add some water and place it the microwave for a minute. Let it cool down and then make a fine paste of the same in the mixer

For whatever reason if you do not find fresh ridge gourd you may use potatoes only however increase the quantity of potatoes.

Enjoy cooking!!!!!