Bengali potatoes wit poppy seeds
6 potatoes, firm
6 tbsp. vegetable oil
3 whole red chillies
1/2 cup white poppy seeds ground (2 oz/50g)
1/2 tsp. turmeric, ground (2.5 ml)
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. red chilli powder (cayenne pepper)
1 tsp. salt
3 fresh hot green chillies
INSTRUCTIONS
Grind poppy seeds as finely as possible in a spice grinder.
Peel the potatoes and cut them in 3/4 inch dice.
Heat the oil in a non stick frying pan over a medium heat. When hot, put in the potatoes. Stir and fry the potatoes so they are very lightly browned—just golden—and only half cooked. Remove with a slotted spoon.
Put the 3 whole red chillies in the same oil. As soon as they start to darken, put in the ground poppy seeds and 2 Tbs. of water. Stir and sauté this paste until it turns a medium brown colour.
Now put in the potatoes, about 3/4 cup of water, the turmeric, red chilli powder (cayenne pepper), salt and green chillies. Stir to mix and bring to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until the potatoes are done and most of the water is absorbed.