MOCHAR GHONTO (Banana Blossom Curry)

Mocha in Bengali means Banana Blossoms. Also known as Plantain flowers, which have amazing health benefits. They are high source of vitamins and minerals and also helps to prevent infections. The magnesium in the banana blossom makes it a happy flower as it is believed to reduce anxiety and alleviate your mood. The Mochar Ghonto is a traditional Bengali preparation, where the banana flowers are cooked along with potato and aromatic spices. It is a dry curry recipe and is often served along with steaming hot rice and Ghee. One of my favorite since childhood, I have seen my mom cooking this Ghonto with fresh banana blossoms from our own garden. But here in Mumbai (in my locality), I hardly get to see this flower.

Thanks a ton to my beloved brother, whom I call as "ReepBhai", who brought these Banana blossom for me on the Bhai Phota day, when he visited us after one year (of course due to Corona, else we live in the same City). He brought these flowers and cleaned as well. Hats off ReepBhai! Sometimes the simplest things mean the most. Thank you ReepBhai, your thoughtfulness is a gift I will always treasure. 

Ingredients:

1. Banana Blossom - cleaned and chopped
2. Potato - 2 (cut into cubes)
3. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
4. Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
5. Garam masala powder - 1/2 tsp
6. Sugar - 1/2 tsp or as per your taste
7. Ghee - for garnishing
8. Salt as per taste
9. Bay leaf - 1
10. Dry red chilli - 1
11. Panch Foron - 1/2 tsp
12. Mustard oil - 2 tsp
13.Grated coconut - 1/4 cup
14. Green chilli - 2-3 (slit)
15. Ginger paste - 1 tsp
16. Green cardamom - 2-3

Process:   

1. To start with making Mochar Ghonto recipe, we need to clean the banana blossom (For me, that part is already done by my brother), Lucky me.

2. Once the cleaning is done, chop the florets finely and soak them in water. Add turmeric powder and salt and pressure cook for one whistle adding half cup of water. Once cool, gently mash using the back of a ladle. 

3. Heat mustard oil in a heavy bottomed pan over low flame, when the oil starts to smoke, add bay leaves, panch foron, dry red chilli and whole green cardamom. Now add ginger paste and saute for 20 seconds. Then add the cubed potatoes, chilli powder, salt and little water and let the potatoes cook for 5-7 minutes. Once the potatoes are almost done and dry, add the cooked banana blossom, sugar and mix well. Cover and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Adjust salt and add slit green chillies. 

4. When the curry is almost done, add grated coconut, garam masala powder and stir well over medium flame and switch off the flame. Garnish with a tea spoon of ghee. Mochar Ghonto is a dry curry recipe and often served along with steaming hot rice and ghee.