poppy seeds are used in indian cooking as thickening agents, and to lend a nutty taste to sauces. it is the creamy white variety of poppy seed that is used here, rather than the ones with a blue-grey hue that are used for baking.
POTATOES WITH ROASTED POPPY SEEDS
3T white poppy seeds
3-4T vegetable oil
1 1/2lb potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2in cubes
1/2t black mustard seeds
1/2t onion seeds
1/2t cumin seeds
1/2t fennel seeds
1-2 dried red chilies, chopped or broken into small pieces
1/2t ground turmeric
1/2t salt
2/3c warm water
fresh cilantro sprigs to garnish
preheat a large pan over a medium setting. when pan is hot, reduce the heat slightly and add the poppy seeds. stir them around in the pan until they are just a shade darker. remove from the pan and allow to cool. in the pan heat the vegetable oil over a medium heat and fry the cubes of potatoes until they are light brown. remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. to the same oil add the mustard seeds. as soon as they begin to pop add the onion, cumin and fennel seeds and the chilies. let the chilies blacken. do not allow the dried chilis to burn or they will become bitter. remove them from the pan when they have blackened. stir in the turmeric and follow quickly with the fried potatoes and salt. stir well and add the warm water. cover the pan with the lid and reduce the heat to low. cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. grind the cooled poppy seeds in a pestle and mortar or spice grinder. stir the ground seeds into the potatoes. it should form a thick paste which should cling to the potatoes. if there is too much liquid, continue to stir over a medium heat until you have the right consistency. transfer to a serving dish and garnish with cilantro.
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