Mochar Ghonto

Banana is used in Indian cuisine in many ways. From North to East India and then towards south, it is used to prepare many Indian regional dishes. Every part of banana plant is used, from its stem to the flowers and the fruits to the leaves.

In Bengali cuisine, the banana flower, called Mocha (pronounced as Mo Cha, Cha as in Chair in Bengali), is a delicacy to have. It is prepared in different ways, using various ingredients. Today I will tell you how to prepare Mochar Ghonto (Stir fry Banana blossom).


Mochar Ghonto
Serves for 5-6 people

Ingredients

1. 1 Mocha (Banana Blossom)
2. 1 Medium sized potato (cut into cubes)

For Flavoring

1. 4 Cloves
2. 2-3 Pods cardamom
3. Half inch stick cinnamon
4. 1-2 tsp of coriander powder
5. 1 tsp of red pepper powder
6. Salt as per taste
7. Sugar as per taste

For Tempering

1. 2-3 Bay leaves
2. Tej Patta
3. 1 tsp of cumin seeds
4. 3-4 tbs of mustard oil
5. 2 tbs of ghee

Preparation Method

• Its better to oil the hands, knife before chopping banana blossom.
• Place a news paper, then place the cutting board. Grease your hands and fingers with oil.
• Open the outer layer of banana blossom, take out the flowers and take out from it "the hard somewhat blackish at the top stalk", and chop them finely.
• Follow the same pattern for the other layer of blossom, until you reach the central heart , which would be slightly pale yellow or off white in colour.
• Chop it finely.

To Get Rid of the Bitterness of Mocha

• Wash Mocha in water thoroughly 2-3 times, fill in a large pan with water, add the banana blossom (Mocha) to it, add 1tsp of turmeric powder , ½ tsp of salt and bring to boil .Cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Cover and stop the flame, let it cool off well, now discard the remaining water and take out the chopped Mocha, squeeze out the remaining water with hands (that’s how our aunts and Mothers have been doing it) or better use the sieve.

Preparation of Mochar Ghonto

• Heat a Kadhai, add oil, temper it with cumin seeds and bay leaves.
• Add potatoes; fry them at high flame for sometime.
• Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder and cumin powder
• Add salt and sugar for seasoning, to taste.
• Fry all the ingredients for 4-5 minutes at high.
• Add chopped Mocha and fry them also.
• Add the cloves, cardamom and cinnamon.
• Slightly sprinkle some water with hands.
• Cover and cook for 10 mints at low, or till the potatoes are cooked and tender.
• With the help of spatula, gently mash the entire gravy and mix in well
• Add ghee and Garam Masala for flavouring.
• Garnish with fresh grated coconut.
  
• Serve with hot steamed rice.