Mochar Ghonto Recipe (Traditional Banana Blossom Curry From West Bengal)

Step 1: To begin making the Mochar Ghonto recipe, we will first clean the banana blossom/plantain flower

Step 2: Oil your hands and start working with the banana flowers

Step 3: Firstly, peel the purple layers and remove the florets

Step 4: In each floret remove the longest string with a round head called the 'stamen' and the translucent thin cover

Step 5: Now chop the florets finely and soak them in diluted buttermilk or plain water

Step 6: Add turmeric and salt to the buttermilk and allow it to soak overnight (refrigerated) or at least for 30 minutes

Step 7: To cook the banana blossom/plantain flower, drain the water from the florets

Step 8: Pressure cook them in a cooker with 1/2 cup water upto 2 whistles

Step 9: Once cool, gently mash using the back of a ladle

Step 10: The next step is to make the curry

Step 11: Heat a heavy bottomed pan with mustard oil over low flame

Step 12: When the oil starts to smoke, add bay leaves and cumin seeds

Step 13: Now add the grated ginger and garlic and saute for 30 seconds

Step 14: Stir in the cubed potatoes, chilli powder, salt and 1/4 cup water let the potatoes cook for 5 to 7 minutes

Step 15: Once the potatoes are cooked and dry add the cooked banana blossom, sugar and mix well

Step 16: Cook covered for 2 minutes

Step 17: Adjust salt and add the ground coconut-chilli mixture

Step 18: Immediately add the garam masala powder, stir well over medium flame and switch off

Step 19: Garnish with a teaspoon of ghee

Step 20: Mochar Ghonto is a dry curry recipe and is often served along with steaming hot rice and ghee