Machher Jhol (Bengali Fish Curry)

INGREDIENTS  

• 500 gms Fish steaks
• 1/2 cup Mustard oil – (I used refined oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon Onion seeds/ kalonji
• 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon (broken in small pieces)
• 4 Cloves
• 4 Green cardamoms
• 1 Bay leaf
• 2 Slit green chillies
• 3 cups Water
• Coriander leaves for garnish

For the Marinade

• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• to taste Salt

To be Ground

• 1 – 1/2 cups Roughly chopped Onion
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 2 teaspoons chopped ginger
• 2 – 3 Dried red chillies
• to taste Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder

INSTRUCTIONS 

• Grind all the ingredients mentioned above (in the to be ground list) to a smooth paste.
• Wash the fish and apply salt and turmeric powder over all the pieces. Keep aside for at least 15 minutes.
• Heat oil and fry the fish steaks till golden brown on either side. Drain and keep the fish aside.
• In the same oil, add the onion seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and bay leaf and stir for a minute. Add the ground paste.
• Saute till oil separates, then add the green chillies and stir for another minute. Add the water and bring to a boil and then simmer for about 15 minutes, uncovered.
• Add the fish and bring to a boil. Transfer to a serving plate immediately and garnish with the chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with Rice.