Maacher Patla Jhol (Cumin Flavoured Fish Curry)
Maacher Patla Jhol. Fried fish simmered in a tomato-ginger gravy. Flavoured with cumin. Topped with fresh coriander. And a squeeze of lemon. Food heaven !!
Ingredients
- 4-5 pieces rohu or katla fish
- 2 potatoes cut into long batons
- 5 potol or parwal or pointed gourds (optional), peeled and halved longitudinally
- 1 tomato pureed
- 2 tsp ginger paste
- 2 tsp turmeric powder
- 4 tsp cumin seeds soaked in a little water and blended to a semi-smooth paste with a couple of green chillies
- 1 tsp whole cumin seeds
- 2 - 3 green chillies slit
- 3 tbsp mustard oil
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the fish with turmeric and salt. Heat mustard oil in frying pan and fry the fish till light brown on both sides. Keep the fish aside.
- Marinate potatoes and pointed gourds with turmeric and salt and fry in the same oil till golden brown and tender. Keep aside.
- Reheat the same oil, temper it with whole cumin seeds and green chillies. Add the tomato puree, ginger paste, turmeric powder, 2 tsp of the cumin paste, sugar (just a tiny pinch :) ) and salt.
- Cook slowly on a moderate flame till oil starts releasing from the masala paste.
- Add the fried potatoes and pointed gourds (if at all using) and about 1 1/2 cups of warm water. Give a nice loving stir and bring the curry to a gentle simmer.
- Adjust the salt, add the fried fish and cook for a further 5-6 minutes till the gravy thickens slightly.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.