Machhere Jhol (Bengali Fish Curry) Recipe

Machhere Jhol (Bengali Fish Curry) Recipe

  • 2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 pounds thick whitefish fillets, cut into large chunks
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon black cumin seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, lightly crushed
  • 1/4 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  1. Bring the tomatoes, cumin, turmeric, salt, and water to a boil in a four quart saucepan; reduce heat to medium and maintain a simmer.
  2. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook the fish in the oiled skillet until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer the fish to the saucepan.
  3. Heat a separate skillet over medium heat, and toast the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, black cumin seeds, fennel seeds, and fenugreek seeds until fragrant, just a few seconds. Stir the spices into the saucepan. Simmer until the flavors integrate, about 10 minutes more. Serve hot.