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

Wash and clean the chicken pieces properly. Marinate the chicken pieces with lime juice, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder and 1tsp of mustard oil and keep aside for 2 hours. Make a paste of soaked posto or poppy seeds, ginger, garlic and green chillies in a mixer. After 2 hours, heat oil in a pan and add cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms and fennel seeds to it. Fry for 2 minutes. Now add the onions and cook till they turn golden brown. Add the tomato and cook for another 5 minutes. Now add the prepared paste of poppy seeds, red chilli powder, garam masala powder and fry for 3 minutes. Add the chicken pieces and saute for 5 minutes. Now add salt and water.

Cover the pan and cook for around half an hour. Once done, switch off the flame and check if the chicken is cooked with a fork. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Your posto chicken is ready to be served. Serve it hot with steamed rice or chapatis.