Mocha Chingri(মোচা চিংড়ি)

 **Mocha Chingri (Banana Flower with Prawns) Recipe**

*Mocha Chingri* is a traditional Bengali dish made with banana flowers (*mocha*) and prawns (*chingri*). It's a flavorful curry, often served with rice.

### Ingredients:

- **Banana Flower (Mocha)**: 1 medium-sized (cleaned and chopped)

- **Prawns**: 250 grams (cleaned and deveined)

- **Potatoes**: 1 medium (cut into small cubes)

- **Coconut (grated)**: 1/2 cup

- **Onions**: 2 medium (finely chopped)

- **Tomatoes**: 1 medium (chopped)

- **Ginger paste**: 1 tablespoon

- **Garlic paste**: 1 tablespoon

- **Turmeric powder**: 1/2 teaspoon

- **Cumin powder**: 1 teaspoon

- **Coriander powder**: 1 teaspoon

- **Red chili powder**: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

- **Garam masala powder**: 1/2 teaspoon

- **Bay leaf**: 1

- **Cinnamon stick**: 1 inch

- **Green chilies**: 2-3 (slit)

- **Mustard oil**: 3 tablespoons

- **Salt**: To taste

- **Sugar**: 1 teaspoon (optional)

- **Water**: As needed

- **Ghee (clarified butter)**: 1 tablespoon (optional for flavor)

### Preparation:

#### Preparing the Banana Flower (Mocha):

1. Remove the tough outer layers of the banana flower. Use only the tender inner layers.

2. Chop the banana flower finely and soak it in water with a little turmeric and salt for about 10-15 minutes.

3. Boil the chopped banana flower in water with a pinch of salt until it's tender. Drain and keep aside.

### Instructions:

1. **Marinate the Prawns**: Marinate the prawns with turmeric and salt. Set aside for 15 minutes.

2. **Fry the Prawns**: Heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in a pan and lightly fry the prawns. Remove and set aside.

3. **Cook the Potatoes**: In the same pan, add more oil if necessary and fry the potato cubes until they are golden. Remove and set aside.

4. **Tempering**: Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and green chilies to the oil. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

5. **Cook the Onions**: Add the chopped onions and fry until golden brown.

6. **Add Ginger-Garlic**: Stir in the ginger and garlic paste. Cook until the raw smell disappears.

7. **Tomatoes and Spices**: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Then add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook until the oil separates from the masala.

8. **Add Mocha**: Stir in the boiled banana flower (mocha) and mix well with the spices. Add salt and sugar to taste. Cook for a few minutes.

9. **Add Potatoes and Prawns**: Add the fried potatoes and prawns to the pan. Mix everything well.

10. **Coconut and Water**: Add the grated coconut and a little water to make a gravy. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the flavors are well combined.

11. **Final Touch**: Add garam masala and ghee (optional) for extra flavor.

12. **Serve**: Mocha Chingri is ready to serve! Pair it with steamed rice or pulao.

Enjoy this unique and flavorful Bengali delicacy!