Posto Chicken: A Bengali Recipe

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Bengali cuisine is known for its unique and subtle flavours. Posto or poppy seeds is one ingredient that Bengalis are extremely fond of. Posto can be cooked with a variety of items like potatoes, pointed gourds (potol), brinjal or even paneer and fish. This ingredient is not just used as a thickening agent. Rather it is used in as a spice in many Bengali recipes. It lends its subtle flavour to the food and makes it lip-smackingly delicious.

The recipe of posto chicken is quite simple. It does not even require a whole lot of ingredients. But posto chicken simply tastes heavenly. This recipe will definitely surprise your taste-buds and leave you wanting more of this special Bengali delight.

Here is the recipe for posto chicken. It is a must try for all chicken lovers.

Serves: 3-4

Preparation time: 2 hours

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• Chicken- 1kg (cut into small pieces)

• Lime juice- 1tbsp

• Ginger-garlic paste- 2tbsp

• Onion- 3 (finely chopped)

• Tomato- 1 (finely chopped)

• Ginger- 1 inch piece

• Garlic- 3 cloves

• Green chillies- 4

• Posto (poppy seeds)- 4tbsp (soaked in water)

• Turmeric powder- 1tsp

• Red chilli powder- 1tsp

• Garam masala powder- 1tsp

• Saunf (fennel) seeds- 1tsp

• Green cardamoms- 3

• Cinnamon- 1 inch stick

• Cloves- 4

• Salt- as per taste

• Mustard oil- 2tbsp

• Water- 2cups

• Green coriander- 2tbsp (chopped)

Procedure

1. Wash and clean the chicken pieces properly.
2. Marinate the chicken pieces with lime juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder and 1tsp of mustard oil and keep aside for 2 hours.
3. Make a paste of soaked posto or poppy seeds, ginger, garlic and green chillies in a mixer.
4. After 2 hours, heat oil in a pan and add cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms and fennel seeds to it. Fry for 2 minutes.
5. Now add the onions and cook till they turn golden brown.
6. Add the tomato and cook for another 5 minutes.
7. Now add the prepared paste of poppy seeds, red chilli powder, garam masala powder and fry for 3 minutes.
8. Add the chicken pieces and saute for 5 minutes.
9. Now add salt and water. Cover the pan and cook for around half an hour.
10. Once done, switch off the flame and check if the chicken is cooked with a fork.
11. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Your posto chicken is ready to be served. Serve it hot with steamed rice or chapatis.