Poppy Seeds Curry Recipes: Nutty Delights for Every Meal

Poppy seeds, also known as “khas khas,” are a beloved ingredient in many cuisines worldwide, particularly in Indian cooking. These tiny seeds pack a punch with their unique nutty flavor and creamy texture when blended into curries. Poppy seeds are rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium, making them a healthy addition to your meals. Below, we explore some popular and delicious poppy seeds curry recipes you can try at home.

1. Bengali Poppy Seed Curry (Posto Curry)

This classic Bengali dish showcases the creamy, earthy flavor of poppy seeds. It’s often made with potatoes or pointed gourd (parwal) and served with steamed rice.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2 medium potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• 2 green chilies
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil (or vegetable oil)
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak the poppy seeds in water for 30 minutes and then grind them into a smooth paste with green chilies.
2. Heat mustard oil in a pan and add the cubed potatoes.
3. Add turmeric and salt, then stir-fry for a few minutes.
4. Pour the poppy seed paste into the pan and cook on low heat until the potatoes are tender.
5. Serve hot with steamed rice.

2. Poppy Seed Chicken Curry

This rich and flavorful chicken curry is infused with a creamy poppy seed and cashew paste, making it perfect for a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams chicken (cut into pieces)
• 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2 tablespoons cashews
• 2 onions (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak poppy seeds and cashews in warm water for 20 minutes, then grind them into a smooth paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan and sauté the onions until golden brown.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute.
4. Add chicken pieces, salt, and garam masala. Cook until the chicken is browned.
5. Pour the poppy seed and cashew paste into the pan, adding water as needed.
6. Simmer on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the curry thickens.
7. Serve with naan or rice.

3. Poppy Seed and Coconut Vegetable Curry

This vegetarian curry combines the richness of poppy seeds with the sweetness of coconut, making it a perfect comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas)
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak and grind the poppy seeds into a smooth paste.
2. Heat oil in a pan and temper with cumin seeds and dried red chilies.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes.
4. Mix in the poppy seed paste and grated coconut.
5. Add water, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are tender.
6. Serve with steamed rice or chapati.

4. Poppy Seed Fish Curry

This curry combines the delicate flavors of fish with the creamy texture of poppy seeds, creating a dish that’s both light and flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 500 grams fish fillets (such as Rohu or Catla)
• 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 2 green chilies
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak and grind the poppy seeds with green chilies into a smooth paste.
2. Marinate the fish fillets with turmeric and salt.
3. Heat mustard oil in a pan and lightly fry the fish pieces until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, add the poppy seed paste and cook for a few minutes.
5. Add water to create a gravy, then gently place the fish pieces in the pan.
6. Simmer on low heat until the fish is fully cooked.
7. Serve with steamed rice.

5. Bengali Egg Curry with Poppy Seeds

This hearty egg curry is enriched with a poppy seed base, offering a perfect blend of spices and creamy goodness.

Ingredients:

• 4 boiled eggs
• 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 green chili (slit)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Soak and grind the poppy seeds into a smooth paste.
2. Heat mustard oil in a pan and temper with cumin seeds and green chili.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
5. Add the poppy seed paste and cook for a few minutes.
6. Add water to create a gravy, then gently place the boiled eggs in the pan.
7. Simmer until the flavors are well combined.
8. Serve with rice or paratha.

Tips for Cooking with Poppy Seeds:

• Soak before grinding: Soaking poppy seeds in water or milk softens them, making it easier to grind them into a smooth paste.
• Pair with creamy ingredients: Poppy seeds pair well with coconut, cashews, and yogurt to create rich, velvety curry bases.
• Balance flavors: The earthy taste of poppy seeds can be balanced with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala.

Final Thoughts:

Poppy seed curries are a delicious way to elevate your meals with a touch of nutty, creamy goodness. Whether you prefer a simple Bengali-style posto curry or a rich chicken curry, these recipes are sure to delight your taste buds. Try them out and bring a taste of tradition and warmth to your dining table!