Sojne Data Aloo Posto is a traditional Bengali vegetarian dish, often vegan and gluten-free, featuring drumsticks (shojne data) and potatoes (aloo) simmered in a thick, creamy poppy seed paste (posto) with mustard oil. It is a simple, aromatic, and comforting dish that is best served with plain white rice.

Key Ingredients & Preparation

Ingredients: 250-300g drumsticks (peeled/cut), 1-2 potatoes (diced), 2-3 tbsp poppy seeds (soaked), 2-3 green chilies, mustard oil, nigella seeds (kalonji), salt, and turmeric.

Method:

Paste: Soak poppy seeds for 15-20 minutes, then blend into a smooth paste with green chilies.

Sauté: Heat mustard oil (smoking point), add nigella seeds for tempering, then fry the potatoes and drumsticks until light golden.

Cook: Add the posto paste, salt, and turmeric. Stir to coat, add a little water, cover, and cook until vegetables are soft.

Finish: Drizzle with raw mustard oil for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

Don’t overcook drumsticks: They should remain firm.

Consistency: The dish is typically dry or semi-dry, with the paste coating the vegetables.

Optional Ingredients: Some recipes add a pinch of sugar, finely chopped onions, or a mix of poppy seeds and mustard seeds.

Credits: Kitchen of Chandrima, Delicious Indian Food Recipes, Facebook group