Editorial sample recipeIndian (Bengali)beginnerVegetarianHalalGluten-Free

Bengali Poppy Seed Pumpkin And Cottage Cheese Stir-Fry

Name: Bengali Poppy Seed Pumpkin And Cottage Cheese Stir-Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Indian (Bengali)
Ingredients: 400 g Sweet pumpkin, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes; 200 g Paneer (cottage cheese), diced into 3/4-inch cubes; 3 tbsp White poppy seeds (posto), ground into smooth paste with 4 tbsp water; 2 tbsp Mustard oil; 0.5 tsp Nigella seeds; 2 piece Green chilies, finely chopped; 0.25 tsp Turmeric powder; 1 tsp Salt

Sweet pumpkin cubes and pan-seared paneer coated in a rich, nutty white poppy seed paste tempered with nigella seeds.

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 35 min

AI-generated illustration of Bengali Poppy Seed Pumpkin And Cottage Cheese Stir-Fry

AI illustration

Technique to learn

Posto Thick Coating

Adding dense poppy seed paste near the end of cooking to create a creamy, clinging texture without separation.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon mustard oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear paneer cubes for 2 minutes until lightly golden; remove and set aside.
Step 2: Add remaining mustard oil to the pan. Add nigella seeds and green chilies, letting them crackle for 15 seconds.

Step 3: Add pumpkin cubes, turmeric, and salt; toss to coat evenly.

Step 4: Cover the pan and cook on medium-low heat for 8 minutes, stirring once, until pumpkin is tender to the fork.

Step 5: Fold in the ground poppy seed paste, seared paneer, and 3 tablespoons water; cook uncovered for 4 minutes until paste coats the ingredients thick and cream-like.

Step 6: Remove from heat and serve warm alongside steamed rice.

Cooking tips

Soak poppy seeds in warm water for 20 minutes before grinding in a high-speed blender to get a smooth, non-gritty paste.
Keep turmeric minimal so the pale, creamy color of the poppy paste remains prominent.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Indian (Bengali); regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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