Macher jhol recipe
A healthy twist on a classic family favourite, the Bengali fish curry.
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 fish steaks (unsalted)
- 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt (optional)
- 4 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 4 green chillies, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon powdered mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon onion seeds (kalonji)
- 470ml water
- 4 tablespoons mustard oil
Swap tip
To reduce the salt content of the dish, try swapping the salt for paprika or lemon juice
Method
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Put the fish steaks in a bowl with the turmeric powder and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside for later.
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In a blender or mixing bowl, blend the tomatoes, garlic, 3 green chilies, powdered mustard, pinch of salt and 120ml water to a smooth paste. Keep aside.
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Heat 2 tablespoons mustard oil in a pan. Add the kalonji seeds and let sizzle for about 10 seconds, then add the blended tomato mixture. Turn the heat down to low, and stir for 8 minutes or so.
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Once the mixture has got a deeper, darker colour, add 350ml of water, stir well and bring to a boil. Once it's boiling, turn the heat back down to simmer on low for another 10 minutes.
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Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a pan, and then fry the marinated fish steaks until golden brown on both sides. Add the fish to the tomato mixture and leave to simmer for 2 or 3 minutes.
Information:The fish steaks can also be wrapped in foil and baked in the oven instead, if you want to use less oil.
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Top with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot.
Information:Serve with a portion of steamed or boiled long grain rice (cooked to packet instructions).
