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A classic Odia comfort food featuring tender ridge gourd cooked in a creamy, nutty poppy seed paste. This simple yet flavorful curry is a staple in Odia households and pairs perfectly with hot rice.
Prepare the Poppy Seed Paste
Temper the Spices (Phutana)
Sauté Aromatics and Cook the Ridge Gourd
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A classic Odia comfort food featuring tender ridge gourd cooked in a creamy, nutty poppy seed paste. This simple yet flavorful curry is a staple in Odia households and pairs perfectly with hot rice.
This odia recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 185.56 calories per serving with 3.19g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Combine with Poppy Seed Paste and Finish
Serve
Add one medium potato, peeled and cubed, along with the ridge gourd for a heartier version of the dish.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut along with the poppy seed paste for a slightly sweeter and richer texture.
Increase the number of green chilies in the paste or add a pinch of red chili powder with the turmeric for extra heat.
This poppy seed base works well with other vegetables like pointed gourd (parwal), potatoes (aloo), or drumsticks (sajana chhuin).
Ridge gourd is rich in dietary fiber and has a high water content, which helps prevent constipation, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports overall gut health.
White poppy seeds are a good source of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, which are vital for bone health, nerve function, and a strong immune system.
Being low in calories and high in fiber, ridge gourd helps you feel full for longer, reducing overall calorie intake and aiding in weight management.
Both turmeric, with its active compound curcumin, and mustard oil are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Janhi Posto is a traditional vegetarian dish from the Indian state of Odisha. It features 'Janhi' (Ridge Gourd) cooked in a thick, creamy paste of 'Posto' (White Poppy Seeds), tempered with spices like panch phoron.
Yes, Janhi Posto is quite healthy. Ridge gourd is low in calories and high in dietary fiber and water content, aiding digestion. Poppy seeds provide essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Using mustard oil in moderation offers healthy fats.
One serving of Janhi Posto (approximately 150g) contains around 180-200 calories, primarily from the mustard oil and poppy seeds. It's a relatively light main dish.
Bitterness in poppy seed paste can occur if you over-grind it, causing it to heat up, or if you overcook it in the pan. Grind in short bursts and cook the paste on low heat just until the raw smell is gone.
It is not recommended. This dish traditionally uses white poppy seeds (khus khus/posto), which have a nutty, creamy flavor. Black poppy seeds have a different, stronger flavor profile that will not yield an authentic taste.
Leftover Janhi Posto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.