Fish Ghanta, also known as "Macher Ghanta," is a traditional Bengali fish curry made with various vegetables. Here's a recipe to make Fish Ghanta:
Ingredients:
For Marinating the Fish:
- 500g fish fillets (any freshwater fish like rohu or catfish)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
For the Curry:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (potatoes, eggplant, pumpkin, and beans), chopped into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons mustard oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Fish:
- In a bowl, marinate the fish fillets with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and salt. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop the mixed vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces.
3. Heat Oil and Sauté:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil (or vegetable oil) in a deep pan or kadai over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated fish fillets and fry them until they turn golden brown on both sides. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. Tempering:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, and fenugreek seeds. Let them splutter.
- Add chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
5. Add Spices:
- Add ginger paste and garlic paste. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, sugar, and salt.
6. Cook Vegetables:
- Add the chopped mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir well to coat them with the spices.
- Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
7. Add Water and Simmer:
- Pour in 1 cup of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and let the vegetables cook until tender. Add more water if needed.
8. Add Fried Fish:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, gently add the fried fish fillets back into the pan.
9. Finish Cooking:
- Simmer for another 5-7 minutes until the fish is heated through and the flavors meld together.
10. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the Fish Ghanta with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice.
Enjoy your homemade Fish Ghanta, a delightful Bengali fish curry with a medley of vegetables! Adjust the spice level to your liking by modifying the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.