Thor Ghonto
A classic Bengali delicacy made from finely chopped banana stem, potatoes, and grated coconut. This wholesome, fiber-rich side dish is subtly spiced and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice and dal.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare and Pressure Cook Vegetables
- b.Immediately after chopping the banana stem, place it in a bowl of water with a pinch of turmeric to prevent it from turning brown.
- c.In a pressure cooker, combine the drained banana stem, soaked chana dal, potato cubes, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- d.Add 1 cup of water. Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium heat for 2 whistles (approx. 8-10 minutes).
- e.Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat mustard oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it just begins to smoke. Immediately reduce the heat to low.
- c.Add the panch phoron, bay leaf, and broken dried red chilies.
- d.Sauté for 30-45 seconds until the spices become fragrant and start to splutter.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Spices
- b.Add the ginger paste and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until the raw aroma of ginger disappears.
- c.Add the remaining 1/4 tsp turmeric powder and the cumin powder. Stir continuously for 30 seconds, ensuring the spices don't burn.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Cook the Ghonto
- b.Drain any excess water from the pressure-cooked vegetable mixture and add it to the kadai.
- c.Add the remaining 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste) and the sugar. Mix gently to combine everything.
- d.Sauté for 6-8 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Slightly mash some of the potato cubes with your spatula to help bind the mixture.
- e.Continue cooking until the mixture is semi-dry and the flavors have melded together.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Stir in the grated fresh coconut and cook for another 2 minutes.
- c.Turn off the heat. Drizzle the optional ghee over the top and give it a final, gentle mix.
- d.Cover the pan and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle.
- e.Serve hot with steamed rice and dal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For authentic flavor, use mustard oil and heat it until it's lightly smoking before adding spices. This mellows its pungent taste.
- 2To clean the banana stem, peel the tough outer layers to reveal the tender white core. Slice into thin discs, remove any coarse fibers that pull away, then chop finely.
- 3Always immerse chopped banana stem in turmeric water or buttermilk water to prevent oxidation and browning.
- 4The small amount of sugar is a key element in Bengali cuisine; it balances the savory and spicy notes for an authentic taste.
- 5Slightly mashing the cooked potatoes helps to bind the ghonto, giving it a more cohesive texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
With Shrimp (Chingri Thor Ghonto)
For a non-vegetarian version, add 100g of small, cleaned shrimp (chingri). Sauté the shrimp after the tempering, remove them, and add them back in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
Niramish (Sattvic)Niramish (Sattvic)
This recipe is naturally niramish (vegetarian without onion or garlic). To enhance the flavor further, you can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the hot oil during tempering.
With Moong DalWith Moong Dal
You can substitute chana dal with roasted moong dal (bhaja mug dal) for a different nutty flavor and aroma. The cooking process remains the same.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Banana stem is an excellent source of insoluble and soluble fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
Supports Detoxification
The juice of the banana stem is a known diuretic, which helps in flushing out toxins from the body and supports overall kidney function.
Aids in Weight Management
Being very low in calories and high in fiber, Thor Ghonto helps you feel full for longer, reducing overall calorie intake and assisting in weight management.
Beneficial for Diabetics
The low glycemic index and high fiber content of banana stem help in the slow release of sugar into the bloodstream, making it a suitable vegetable for people with diabetes.
Frequently asked questions
Thor Ghonto is a traditional, classic Bengali side dish made from finely chopped banana stem (thor). It's a semi-dry curry, typically cooked with potatoes, lentils, and coconut, and tempered with Bengali five-spice (panch phoron).