Potatoes in Poppy Seed Paste

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy potatoes simmered in a nutty poppy seed and mustard sauce, a beloved Bengali comfort dish that pairs beautifully with steamed rice. This indian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium potatoes, poppy seeds, water for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Peel and dice potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: Toast poppy seeds in a small pan over medium heat for 2 minutes until fragrant, then blend with water until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Heat mustard oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add cumin powder and red chili powder, stirring for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add potato cubes and turmeric powder, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in poppy seed paste, yogurt, and salt, then add 1/2 cup water. Simmer covered for 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Stir in chopped cilantro and serve hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Potatoes in Poppy Seed Paste take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Potatoes in Poppy Seed Paste?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Potatoes in Poppy Seed Paste?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Potatoes in Poppy Seed Paste for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Potatoes in Poppy Seed Paste vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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