Bengali cuisine is famous for its wide range of flavors, and Bengali Fish Curry Recipe is one of them who truly shine timelessly. This loving dish sign of the summary of Bengal’s culinary legacy, combination of mesmerizing mix of spices and fresh ingredients. Join us as I’m taking you to the tangled steps of preparing this famous Bengali dish.
Ingredients
- Fish (preferably rohu, katla, or hilsa) – 500g
- Mustard oil – 4 tablespoons
- Onion (finely chopped) – 1 large
- Tomato (chopped) – 1 large
- Ginger paste – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic paste – 1 tablespoon
- Green chilies (slit) – 2-3
- Turmeric powder – 1 teaspoon
- Red chili powder – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon
- Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon
- Mustard seeds – 1 teaspoon Paste
- Cumin seeds – 1 teaspoon Paste
- Fenugreek seeds – 1/2 teaspoon
- Bay leaf – 1
- Salt – to taste
- Sugar – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) – for garnish
- Water – as needed
Preparation of Bengali Fish Curry Recipe
- Clean the fish thoroughly, remove scales from the fish, and make sure no bones remain, you can keep the bone if you want. Cut the fish into medium-sized pieces and wash them under normal water. Let it dry with a paper towel and set aside.
- Take a Grinder, mixer and make different paste of ginger and garlic, and let them aside for further use.
- Take a small bowl, and make a paste using mustard seeds, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Add a little water to the paste to form a smooth paste and set aside.
- Coriander seeds paste gives a traditional taste to Bengali Fish Curry Recipe.
Step 1
- Heat mustard oil in a deep-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat. when the oil is hot, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions to the pan and saute until they turn golden brown color.
- Add ginger paste and garlic paste to the onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Now, add the earlier prepared spice paste and saute for a minute to infuse the flavors.
- Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies to the masala. Cook till the tomatoes are soft and mushy, stir everything occasionally.
- When the masala (spice mixture) is cooked well and starts releasing oil from the sides, now it’s time to add water to reach the required consistency of the curry.
- Bring the curry to a gentle simmer and season with salt according to taste preferences.
- Carefully add the fish pieces to the simmering curry, and make sure they are merged in the gravy.
- Now take a lid, cover the pan, and let the fish cook for about 8-10 minutes on low to medium heat or until it is cooked perfectly.
- Once the fish is cooked, lightly stir the curry, be careful that the fish pieces do not break.
- Garnish the Bengali Fish Curry recipe with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve Bengali Fish Curry Recipe hot with steamed rice or traditional Bengali accompaniments like steamed rice, luchi (deep-fried flatbread), or pulao.
Step 2
- Take the raw fish in a bowl, and marinate the fish with turmeric powder, and salt, you can add red chili powder.
- Now heat a deep frying pan or kadhai over high flame. When the oil started emitting smoke add the fish pieces.
- When the fish is cooked on one side, turn it to the other side, till the fish cooks perfectly and turn into golden color.
- Now take another kadhai, add heat oil over low-medium flame, add cumin seeds, slit green chili, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds and let them splutter. Add chopped onions and stir until turns golden brown color.
- Add ginger garlic paste and cook till the raw smell vanishes. Add coriander powder and a little salt and stir it.
- Pour the tomato paste/ or add sliced tomatoes, and cook till the tomato is mushy and soft.
- Add turmeric powder, chili powder, add water, and mix everything well.
- When the masala is cooked 70-80%, now add mustard seeds paste and saute it till the raw smell disappears and the oil starts to separate from the masala and keep the masala a little watery so that the fish can absorb the masala. .
- Now carefully add fish pieces, stir lightly, and ensure that the fish does not break.
- Cook it for 5-7 minutes, simmer till the gravy thickens. The Bengali fish curry recipe is ready to serve.
- Remove the fish curry to a bowl and sprinkles fresh coriander and green chili.
- Now serve this luscious Bengali Fish Curry Recipe with hot Rice, pulao, and roti.
FAQ for Bengali Fish Curry Recipe
What types of fish are commonly used in Bengali Fish Curry?
The most commonly used fish in Bengali Fish Curry are rohu, katla, and hilsa. However, you can also use other freshwater fish varieties that are readily available in your area.
Can I use boneless fish for this recipe?
While traditionally Bengali Fish Curry is made with fish pieces that contain bones, you can certainly use boneless fish if you prefer. Just be cautious not to overcook the fish as boneless pieces tend to cook faster.
Is mustard oil essential for the authentic taste of Bengali Fish Curry?
Yes, mustard oil is a key ingredient that imparts a distinct flavor to Bengali cuisine, including fish curry. However, if you’re unable to find mustard oil or prefer a milder taste, you can substitute it with any other cooking oil of your choice.
How do I know when the fish is cooked through?
The fish is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. Be careful not to overcook the fish as it can become dry and tough. Test one of the thicker pieces of fish to ensure it’s cooked evenly.
What can I serve with Bengali Fish Curry?
Bengali Fish Curry recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, pulao (flavored rice), luchi (deep-fried flatbread), or even simple roti (Indian bread). You can also serve it with a side of fresh salad or pickles for added flavor.
With the bold flavors and aromatic spices, Bengali Fish Curry Recipe is a true examples of Bengal’s culinary dish. Whether enjoyed at home or served at festive gatherings, this iconic dish never fails to impress. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and set off on a delicious culinary journey to experience the true flavors of Bengal with this delightful Bengali Fish Curry recipe.Happy Eating
If you like my recipe, please give me feedback. Or you can suggest to me what to add or not.