Loading...
A classic Bengali delicacy made from the tender core of a banana stem. This unique, fibrous vegetable is cooked with lentils and coconut into a flavorful, semi-dry curry that's both healthy and delicious.
Prepare the Banana Stem and Dal (Approx. 20 minutes)
Pressure Cook the Mixture (Approx. 15 minutes)
A classic Bengali comfort food! Tender fish fillets are marinated in simple spices, dipped in a savory egg batter with onions and chilies, then shallow-fried to a perfect golden crisp. A quick and delicious side for any meal.
A beloved Bengali classic, this dish features tiny freshwater fish marinated in simple spices and fried to a perfect crisp. It's the ultimate comfort food, best enjoyed with hot steamed rice and dal.
A classic Bengali delicacy where tender prawns are steamed in a pungent, creamy paste of mustard seeds, poppy seeds, and coconut. This 'bhapa' preparation is incredibly flavorful and best enjoyed with hot steamed rice.
A classic Bengali stir-fry featuring fresh spinach and crispy lentil dumplings (bori). This simple, flavorful side dish comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with steamed rice and dal for a comforting, traditional meal.
A classic Bengali delicacy made from the tender core of a banana stem. This unique, fibrous vegetable is cooked with lentils and coconut into a flavorful, semi-dry curry that's both healthy and delicious.
This bengali recipe takes 55 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 238.61 calories per serving with 4.72g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Temper the Spices (Tadka) (Approx. 2 minutes)
Sauté and Combine (Approx. 8 minutes)
Finish and Serve (Approx. 5 minutes)
For a different texture, you can use soaked yellow moong dal instead of chana dal. It will cook faster and have a softer consistency.
To make this dish fully vegan, simply omit the ghee at the end or replace it with a teaspoon of coconut oil for a complementary flavor.
For a richer, nuttier version, add a tablespoon of poppy seed paste (posto bata) along with the ginger paste and sauté well.
You can add other vegetables like green peas or diced carrots along with the potato in the pressure cooker for added color and nutrition.
The banana stem is packed with dietary fiber, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy digestive system, preventing constipation, and promoting gut health.
Banana stem is a natural diuretic, which helps in flushing out toxins from the body. This property supports healthy kidney and bladder function.
Being low in calories and high in fiber, this dish keeps you feeling full for longer, helping to curb overeating and supporting weight loss goals.
Like the fruit, the banana stem is a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and is beneficial for heart health.
Thorer Ghonto is a traditional, semi-dry Bengali curry made from the finely chopped inner core of a banana stem (known as 'thor'). It's cooked with spices, lentils (dal), and coconut, creating a unique and flavorful side dish.
Yes, it is very healthy. The banana stem is incredibly rich in dietary fiber, low in calories, and a good source of potassium. It aids digestion, helps in detoxification, and is great for overall gut health.
One serving of Thorer Ghonto (approximately 1 cup or 235g) contains around 180-220 calories, depending on the amount of oil and coconut used. It's a relatively low-calorie dish packed with nutrients.
Banana stems can be found in most Indian or South Asian grocery stores, especially those that cater to Bengali or South Indian cuisine. They are sometimes available in the refrigerated produce section.
Banana stem oxidizes and turns brown or black very quickly when exposed to air. To prevent this, immediately place the chopped pieces in a bowl of water mixed with a little turmeric powder or buttermilk.
Absolutely. You can boil the banana stem, dal, and potato mixture in a regular pot with a lid. It will take longer, around 20-25 minutes, for everything to become tender. Ensure you have enough water to prevent it from drying out.
Leftover Thorer Ghonto can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The flavors often meld and taste even better the next day. Reheat thoroughly before serving.