Chicken Free Vegan Bengali Aloo Posto
This classic Bengali potato dish is pure comfort — humble ingredients transformed into something deeply aromatic and satisfying. Yukon Gold potatoes are coated in a thick, nutty paste made from soaked and ground white poppy seeds, giving every bite a rich, slightly earthy flavor that's completely unlike anything you'd find in a typical weeknight potato recipe. Pungent mustard oil, nigella seeds, and a dried red chili build a fragrant base that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible from the very first sizzle. The paste slowly clings to each cube of potato as it cooks down, creating that signature dry, clinging texture that Bengali home cooks know and love. Because every single ingredient here is plant-based, there's no need to swap or substitute a thing — this dish is naturally free of any animal products without any compromise to its bold, traditional character. A final drizzle of raw mustard oil right before serving adds a sharp, peppery lift that ties everything together beautifully. Serve it simply with steamed rice for a meal that feels both deeply rooted and completely effortless.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the posto paste
- ½ cup white poppy seeds (posto)
- 2 green chilies, roughly chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp water, plus more as needed
For the aloo
- 1.5 lb (about 4 medium) yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp mustard oil
- ½ tsp nigella seeds (kalonji)
- 1 dried red chili
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ¾ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp raw mustard oil, for finishing
For serving
- 1 green chili, slit lengthwise (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the white poppy seeds in a small bowl, cover with cold water, and soak for 30 minutes. Drain well.
- 2
Transfer the drained poppy seeds to a spice grinder or blender along with the 2 roughly chopped green chilies, 1/4 tsp salt, and 3 tbsp water. Grind to a smooth, thick paste, scraping down the sides as needed and adding water 1 tsp at a time only if the blades stall. The paste should be dense and opaque, not watery.
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