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Machher Jhol Bhat (Bengali Fish Curry and Rice)

Bengali · Main

A quintessential Bengali comfort meal consisting of tender fish steaks simmered in a light, aromatic ginger-cumin gravy with potatoes, served alongside perfectly steamed white rice.

IntermediateHigh proteinDairy free
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Machher Jhol Bhat (Bengali Fish Curry and Rice) — recipe cover
45 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time15 min
Cook time30 min
Servings2 people
DifficultyIntermediate
Let's make something good

How to make it

7 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Wash the rice thoroughly

    Wash the rice thoroughly and cook it with 2 cups of water in a pot or rice cooker until tender. Keep it covered until ready to serve.

    20 min
  2. Clean the fish steaks and rub them

    Clean the fish steaks and rub them with half of the salt and half of the turmeric powder. Let them marinate for 10 minutes.

    10 min
  3. Heat mustard oil

    Heat mustard oil in a pan until it smokes slightly. Gently fry the fish steaks on both sides until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

    8 min
  4. Fry the potato slices

    In the same oil, fry the potato slices with a pinch of salt and turmeric until they are lightly browned. Remove and set aside.

    5 min
  5. Add Nigella seeds and green chilies

    Add Nigella seeds and green chilies to the remaining oil. Once they sizzle, add the ginger paste and sauté for a minute. Add the remaining turmeric, cumin powder, and a little water to prevent the spices from burning.

    3 min
  6. Add 2 cups of water and salt

    Add 2 cups of water and salt to the pan. Bring to a boil, then add the fried potatoes. Cover and cook until the potatoes are half-done.

    5 min
  7. Add the fried fish pieces

    Add the fried fish pieces to the gravy. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the gravy reaches your desired consistency. Serve hot with the prepared rice.

    7 min

A little kitchen wisdom

Mustard oil is essential for the authentic 'ghoroa' (home-style) Bengali flavor. Use freshwater fish like Rohu or Catla for the best experience.

What you'll need

PotFrying panLid
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

The fish curry can be made 4-6 hours ahead; the flavor develops over time.

Store & enjoy

Store in airtight containers. Keep rice and curry separate. Reheat the curry gently on the stovetop. Steam the rice with a sprinkle of water to moisten.

Allergens

Contains fish.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Machher Jhol Bhat (Bengali Fish Curry and Rice)
Step 1 of 7

Wash the rice thoroughly

Wash the rice thoroughly and cook it with 2 cups of water in a pot or rice cooker until tender. Keep it covered until ready to serve.

20 min