Janhi Posta

Ridge gourd cooked with poppy paste

Ingredients:

Ridge gourd ( cut into large chunks, 1 1/2 cups )

potato ( cut into thin slices, 1/3 cup )

onion ( 1 small )

red chillis ( 2 nos )

garlic cloves ( 1-2 nos )

poppy seeds ( 1 tsp )

coriander seeds ( 1/5 tsp )

fennel seeds ( 1/5 tsp )

turmeric ( 1 pinch )

oil ( 2-3 tsp)

cumin seeds ( a pinch )

salt

Preparation:

Grind the poppy seeds without water to crush them.

Add the garlic cloves along with a little water and grind for 5 secs to get into a coarse paste.

Cooking:

Heat a pan. Add 1 tsp oil followed by the ridge gourd & potato pieces.

Sprinkle some turmeric and stir for 4-5 mins. Remove from pan and keep aside.
Add the remaining oil to the pan.

Add the coriander, fennel and cumin seeds along with the broken red chillis. Stir for 30-40 secs.
Add the chopped onion and cook till it turns translucent.

Add the poppy seeds paste. Cook for 2-3 mins.

Add the fried ridge gourd and potato pieces along with 1/2 cup water and salt.
Bring to a boil and allow to simmer till all the water evaporates.

Remove from pan and serve with white rice.