Mochar Ghonto Recipe: A Traditional Bengali Banana Flower Curry

Mochar Ghonto is a popular traditional Bengali dish prepared with banana flowers, aromatic spices, and grated coconut. This dry curry is commonly served with rice and is especially enjoyed during festive occasions, including Durga Puja. It is traditionally prepared without onion and garlic, making it a favourite for niramish meals.

Mochar Ghonto Recipe: A Traditional Bengali Banana Flower Curry

Mochar Ghonto is a popular traditional Bengali dish prepared with banana flowers, aromatic spices, and grated coconut. This dry curry is commonly served with rice and is especially enjoyed during festive occasions, including Durga Puja. It is traditionally prepared without onion and garlic, making it a favourite for niramish meals.

Banana flowers are nutritious and contain fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Including them in a varied diet can help support digestive health and overall well-being.

Ingredients for Mochar Ghonto

1 cleaned and chopped banana flower

½ cup sweet potato, cubed

½ teaspoon turmeric powder

½ teaspoon red chilli powder

¼ teaspoon garam masala

1 drop stevia, optional

Salt to taste

For the masala:

¼ cup fresh coconut, chopped

2 green chillies, chopped

For tempering:

2 teaspoons mustard oil

2 bay leaves

½ teaspoon cumin seeds

½ inch ginger, grated

4 garlic cloves, grated

For garnish:

2 teaspoons grated coconut

How to Prepare Mochar Ghonto

Step 1: Clean the banana flower

Apply a little oil to your hands, remove the purple outer layers, and separate the florets. Remove the hard stamen and its translucent covering from each floret. Chop finely and soak in lemon water with a pinch of turmeric for an hour.

Step 2: Cook the banana flower

Drain the florets and pressure-cook them with half a cup of water for two whistles. Allow them to cool and gently mash.

Step 3: Prepare the tempering

Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add bay leaves and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add grated ginger and garlic and sauté briefly.

Step 4: Cook the sweet potato

Add sweet potato, turmeric, chilli powder, salt, and a little water. Cover and cook for five to seven minutes until tender.

Step 5: Combine the ingredients

Add the cooked banana flower and optional stevia. Mix well and cook covered for two minutes. Grind the coconut and green chillies into a coarse paste without water, then add it to the curry along with garam masala. Cook for another two minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Garnish with grated coconut and serve hot with a moderate portion of brown rice.

A Wholesome Addition to Your Meal

Mochar Ghonto brings together banana flower, sweet potato, coconut, and traditional spices in a flavourful homemade dish. For people managing blood sugar, portion control is important because sweet potato and rice contribute carbohydrates. Enjoy this recipe as part of a balanced meal, with appropriate portions and other nutritious foods.