Being a Bong (a native of West Bengal, India), I am often asked about various fish recipes. I never cared much for writing those down -- but I remembered them exactly like my mom and her mother made them. Personally, I am not a fish aficionado, and I do love some preparations more than others.
Machher Jhol, fish stewed with vegetables (raw banana, papaya, potatoes, beans) is a staple diet of people from West Bengal, India. The easy availability of fish (mostly fresh water) and home grown vegetables provides the inspiration.
I am usually not the kind who wants to write long recipes -- so here is a basic outline of how this can be made. Marinate fish (salmon, tilapia, catfish all work well) with turmeric, salt and optionally lemon. Pressure cook raw banana, papaya, potatoes, beans and other vegetables you have handy. In a wok, heat oil. Add cumin, chopped tomatoes, ginger garlic paste, green chilies, turmeric, cumin powder, salt to taste, a pinch of sugar (to taste) and let it fry with all of the above ingredients until the oil oozes out of them. Add the vegetables, and allow the mixture to boil for a few more minutes. Add in the marinated fish and cook, keeping covered until fish is done. Sprinkle garam masala and squeeze lemon. Your maccher jhol is ready to serve.
A few notes:
a. Kids usually like this with a lot of lemon -- the tanginess helps to keep the odor off and also adds to the flavor.
b. You can easily use cauliflower florets, green peas, and brinjals.
c. You can also put a little ghee as a topping and garnish with coriander leaves.
d. The gravy can be thick or thin depending on your taste.
e. Additionally, you can add bori (https://food.ndtv.com/recipe-bengali-dal-bori-902821) after frying and it really enhances the taste.
Machher Jhol, fish stewed with vegetables (raw banana, papaya, potatoes, beans) is a staple diet of people from West Bengal, India. The easy availability of fish (mostly fresh water) and home grown vegetables provides the inspiration.
I am usually not the kind who wants to write long recipes -- so here is a basic outline of how this can be made. Marinate fish (salmon, tilapia, catfish all work well) with turmeric, salt and optionally lemon. Pressure cook raw banana, papaya, potatoes, beans and other vegetables you have handy. In a wok, heat oil. Add cumin, chopped tomatoes, ginger garlic paste, green chilies, turmeric, cumin powder, salt to taste, a pinch of sugar (to taste) and let it fry with all of the above ingredients until the oil oozes out of them. Add the vegetables, and allow the mixture to boil for a few more minutes. Add in the marinated fish and cook, keeping covered until fish is done. Sprinkle garam masala and squeeze lemon. Your maccher jhol is ready to serve.
A few notes:
a. Kids usually like this with a lot of lemon -- the tanginess helps to keep the odor off and also adds to the flavor.
b. You can easily use cauliflower florets, green peas, and brinjals.
c. You can also put a little ghee as a topping and garnish with coriander leaves.
d. The gravy can be thick or thin depending on your taste.
e. Additionally, you can add bori (https://food.ndtv.com/recipe-bengali-dal-bori-902821) after frying and it really enhances the taste.
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