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Bengali Style Fish Curry – Easy Macher Jhol Recipe

Prep Time5 minsCook Time35 minsTotal Time40 mins

Bengali Style Fish Curry - Easy Macher Jhol Recipe

 1 Catfish (Aar Maach) - steak cut
 Tomatoes - 1 large (or 2 medium)
 Bay Leaf - 1
 Ginger Garlic Paste - 2 tbsp
 Green Chillies - 3, sliced
 Panch Phoron Spice Mix - 1 tsp
 Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
 Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
 Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
 Mustard Oil - 3-5 tbsp
 Salt - to taste
 Water - 2 cups
 Coriander Leaves - garnish
How to make Aar Macher Jhol - Bengali Fish Curry
Marinating the Aar Macher (catfish):
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1) Wash the pieces of fish thoroughly with water and pat them dry.

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2) Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Coat each piece of fish evenly with turmeric and salt.

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3) Cover and marinate the fish for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.

Frying the Aar Macher:
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1) In a wok or large heavy bottomed pan, add 3-5 tbsp of mustard oil over high heat. Fry the fish pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden brown.

PRO TIP: Feel free to use canola oil or other oils good for frying as a substitute for Mustard Oil.

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2) Remove the fish from the pan and set aside. The fish should only be cooked half way.

Making the Aar Macher Curry Gravy:
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1) In the same wok/pan with the leftover oil, turn the heat to medium.

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2) Once the oil is hot, add add 1 tsp panch pohron spice mix and 1 bay leaf.

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3) Once the seeds begin to crackle, add 1 large or 2 medium tomatoes roughly chopped.

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4) Saute and mix often until they are completely soft and mushy, about 10 minutes.

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5) Add 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder, and 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste.

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6) Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until the raw smell goes away.

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7) Add 2 cups of water and bring it to a simmer over low heat.

PRO TIP: You can add more or less water depending on your desired consistency!

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8) Once the water starts simmering, add the fried fish back to the pan.

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9) Add 3 slit green chilis. Mix gently but thoroughly. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

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10) Once the fish is fully cooked and the curry is at your desired consistency, season with salt to taste and mix gently. Turn off the heat.

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11) Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with fresh white rice!