Mocha-r Ghanto /banana blossom curry

I think I mentioned somewhere that it is a rarity in Bengalis probably to meet a whole plant, starting from its stem to its fruits. Mocha, or the Banan Blossom is an absolute delicacy amongst the Bengalis, & an almost must have when it comes to vegetarian fare. Though it is a little time consuming; here is how you can make it.

Ingredients –
• Mocha/ Banana Florets – chopped finely
• Chickpeas
• Potatoes
• Oil
• Ginger paste
• Bay leaves
• Cumin seeds
• Dried red chillies
• Turmeric powder
• Cumin powder
• Garam masala
• Green chillies
• Salt
• Sugar
• Ghee

Procedure –

• Soak black chickpeas for a few hours.
• Strain and keep aside.
• Boil the banana blossom with turmeric, salt and water (not too much).
• Strain and keep aside.
• Peel and chop potatoes into small pieces.
• Now heat oil in a pan.
• Temper with bay leaves, cumin seeds and dried red chilies.
• Now add the potatoes and fry well.
• Now add some ginger paste and fry well.
• Now add to it the following powdered spices — turmeric, cumin, salt.
• Also add some green chilies (paste or slit ones).
• Pour the banana blossom and chickpeas.
• Stir well.
• Add garam masala.
• Cook for a while and then add some water.
• Let the whole concoction cook properly. There wouldn’t be too much of liquid in the gravy.
• Add sugar andto fight mix properly.
• Finally add a swirl of ghee.