Chotpoti – Spicy White Pea Medley and Bengali 5 Spice

ChotpotiChotpoti is an interesting spicy medley from the Bangladeshi side of the Bengali table. The interesting thing about Chotpoti is that I first tried it at the Bronx Night Market. I was mesmerized by the party in my mouth. Tangy, smoky, crispy and Bengali! The flavors in Chotpoti are bold.  And it is the last recipe for the new expanded version of my Bengali Five Spice cookbook. Also, how I survived the pandemic without going crazy! But, seriously folks I am so excited about the over 60 new recipes and lots of other goodies in the new version.  Something for everyone much like chotpoti.

My Chotpoti Story

I will warn you that the basic spice mix is spicy. In fact, the word Chotpoti in Bengali means zesty.  Now this being said, since I make my own spice blend, you can add just one dried red chili to tone down the heat a little.

Bengali Five Spice

Of course as with a lot of things, my chotpoti is simpler and a little more accessible. I also top my version with crushed potato chips instead of crushed puchka shells. Well, I am not trying to be funny, it is what I have more readily available on hand.

Chotpoti

Hope alone, today is turning out to be a topsy turvy sort of day.  I have managed to lock my new stove. Thank goodness there is the instant pot. Other than that, I repotted some plants and enjoyed the absolutely spectacular summer day. Honestly, this is how New York summer used to be. Not sure where the insanely hot 90 degree days have emerged from. I am relishing the quiet of the house, but also missing my kit and caboodle. Well, that is always the thing. We tend to want it all.

Chotpoti

About the dried peas in this dish

A note on this dish. The white peas are readily available in most Indian stores and sold as white vatana. In a pinch you could make this work with chickpeas. They have a soothing white bean kind of vibe.

Happy Sunday all. And to check out Bengali 5 Spice version 2.0.

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Chotpoti – Spicy White Pea Medley and Bengali 5 Spice

Prep Time: 8 hours

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 8 hours, 45 minutes

Yield: Serves 6 to 8

Chotpoti – Spicy White Pea Medley and Bengali 5 Spice

A spicy tangy Bengali white pea medley that is makes for a wonderful recipe for a crowd or lighter family meal.

Ingredients

    For the chotpoti spice blend
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon panch phoron
  • 1 teaspoon black salt
    • For the Base
  • 3/4 cup white peas (vatana) soaked overnight
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 medium to large potato
  • 1 or 2 eggs
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small cucumber chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp or lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup lightly crushed potato chips

Instructions

  1. Dry roast the spices for the chotpoti spice blend for about 2 minutes until the spices smell aromatic. Grind to smooth powder and set aside.
  2. Place the soaked white peas with 3/4 cup water and half the salt in the instant pot. Add in the whole potato and egg and set on 3 minutes high pressure. Release the pressure after 5 minutes. Remove the eggs and potato. Drain any excess water from the peas.
  3. In a bowl peel and chop the potatoes and eggs into small pieces.
  4. In large mixing bowl add the peas, the spice mix and mix well. Add in the red onion, cucumbers, tamarind pulp and remaining salt and mix lightly.
  5. Sir in the potatoes and egg. Check for seasonings.
  6. Sprinkle with the chopped cilantro and top with the crushed potato chips just before serving.
https://spicechronicles.com/chotpoti-spicy-tangy-white-pea-medley/

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