Mulor Ghonto
A classic Bengali mish-mash curry made with grated radish, delicately spiced with panch phoron. This semi-dry dish is a delightful way to enjoy winter vegetables, offering a unique blend of pungent, sweet, and savory flavors.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Radish
- b.Peel the radish and grate it using the large holes of a box grater.
- c.In a large bowl, toss the grated radish with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Set aside for 15 minutes to allow the radish to release its water.
- d.Gather the radish in small batches and squeeze firmly between your palms to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for the final texture. Set the squeezed radish aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Temper the Spices (Tadka)
- b.Heat mustard oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it is fragrant and just begins to smoke lightly.
- c.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the panch phoron, bay leaves, and broken dried red chilies.
- d.Allow the spices to sizzle and become aromatic, which should take about 30-40 seconds. Be careful not to burn them.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Potatoes
- b.Add the ginger paste and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the raw smell of the ginger dissipates.
- c.Add the diced potatoes and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges turn light golden brown.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Ghonto
- b.Add the squeezed grated radish to the pan along with the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
- c.Stir everything together thoroughly to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- d.Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir every 4-5 minutes to prevent sticking.
- e.The ghonto is cooked when both the radish and potatoes are tender. If it seems too dry during cooking, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of water.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Once the vegetables are cooked, remove the lid. Increase the heat to medium and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, to dry out any excess moisture.
- c.Stir in the sugar and ghee. Mix well and cook for one final minute until the ghee is fully incorporated.
- d.Turn off the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Squeezing the water out of the radish is the most important step for a non-soggy, flavorful ghonto.
- 2Using mustard oil is highly recommended for the authentic Bengali taste and aroma.
- 3Don't skip the sugar; it perfectly balances the natural pungency of the radish and the heat from the chilies.
- 4For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of freshly grated coconut along with the sugar and ghee at the end.
- 5Ensure the potatoes are diced small so they cook at the same rate as the grated radish.
Adapt it for your goals.
Non-Vegetarian
Add 100g of small prawns (chingri). Sauté the prawns after the tempering, remove them, and add them back in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
With Lentil DumplingsWith Lentil Dumplings
Fry 8-10 'bori' (sun-dried lentil dumplings) until golden. Lightly crush them and sprinkle over the ghonto just before serving for a crunchy texture.
With CoconutWith Coconut
For a slightly sweeter and richer version, add 2-3 tablespoons of freshly grated coconut in the final step along with the ghee and sugar.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Daikon radish is an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Aids Digestion
The combination of fiber from radish and digestive spices like ginger, cumin, and coriander helps stimulate digestion and can alleviate common digestive issues.
Source of Antioxidants
This dish is rich in antioxidants from radish (Vitamin C) and spices like turmeric (curcumin), which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mulor Ghonto is quite healthy. Radish is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. The use of spices like turmeric and ginger adds anti-inflammatory benefits. Using mustard oil in moderation provides healthy fats.