Recipe

Aloo Posto (আলু পোস্ত)

Traditional Bengali potatoes cooked with creamy poppy seed paste, green chillies, and mustard oil.

Bengali aloo posto made with potatoes in a creamy poppy seed sauce.

Recipe information

Prep time
15 min
Cook time
20 min
Total time
35 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
easy

About this recipe

Aloo Posto is one of Bengal's most beloved comfort foods. Simple potatoes are cooked with a creamy posto (poppy seed) paste, green chillies and mustard oil to create a dish that is subtle, nutty and deeply satisfying.

Equipment

Atomberg Zenova Mixer Grinder

Atomberg Zenova Mixer Grinder

Powerful mixer grinder designed for grinding spices, making fresh masalas, chutneys, batters, and smooth pastes with consistent results.

🛒 View on Amazon
Prabha Heavy Gauge Round Bottom Kadhai

Prabha Heavy Gauge Round Bottom Kadhai

Heavy-gauge round-bottom iron kadai that distributes heat evenly, retains heat exceptionally well, and is perfect for frying, sautéing, and slow cooking.

🛒 View on Amazon
INKULTURE Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons

INKULTURE Stainless Steel Measuring Cups & Spoons

Premium stainless steel measuring cups and spoons with engraved measurement markings that won't fade over time.

🛒 View on Amazon

Ingredients

Cooking method

  1. Soak poppy seeds for 30 minutes

  2. Grind with green chillies into a smooth paste

  3. Heat mustard oil and temper kalonji and green chilli

  4. Add potatoes and sauté for 4–5 minutes

  5. Add salt

  6. Add posto paste and mix well

  7. Keep stirring till the raw smell of poppy seeds go away

  8. Add a splash of water if required

  9. Cover and cook until potatoes are tender

  10. Add sugar if using

  11. Cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes until the posto coats the potatoes

Pro tips

  • A smooth posto paste gives the best texture
  • Do not overcook after adding the posto paste
  • Traditionally the dish is fairly dry
  • Fresh green chillies provide the characteristic aroma

Frequently asked questions

Can I make it without mustard oil?

Yes, but mustard oil provides the traditional flavour

Why is my posto bitter?

Over-grinding or stale poppy seeds can cause bitterness

Can I store leftovers?

Refrigerate up to 2 days and reheat gently

Watch the recipe

Video preview: Aloo Posto Watch on YouTube

Aloo Posto