In Burhanpur, a red-spotted river fish is winning over dinner tables in just 15 minutes

The Laal Pari fish from Burhanpur district's Tapti river is popular for its near-absence of bones and rich taste, selling for 250 to 300 rupees a kilogram and cooking up in just 10 to 15 minutes.

In Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur district, a red-spotted river fish known locally as the Laal Pari, or red fairy, has turned into a favourite on dinner plates. Pulled mostly from the Tapti river that flows through the district, this fish is prized for having very few bones and an outstanding taste, and it currently sells in the local market for between 250 rupees and 300 rupees a kilogram.

What makes this fish so special
Speaking about the fish, expert Banwari Metkar explained that the Tapti river in Burhanpur district yields the highest numbers of Laal Pari fish found anywhere in the area. According to him, its biggest draw is how tasty it is once cooked, combined with the fact that it has very few bones, which makes it easy and enjoyable to eat. It is also rich in protein, which is why doctors recommend including it in meals. For anyone wanting to cook it at home, Metkar also shared a simple method that lets the dish come together in almost no time.

Why it is called the red fairy fish
The Laal Pari actually belongs to the Rohu species, but in Burhanpur's local dialect it has earned the name red fairy because of the red spots visible on its body, particularly near its fins. That distinctive red colouring, paired with its rich flavour, is what sets it apart from other fish available in the market and explains why so many people prefer it over other varieties.

How to cook Laal Pari fish curry in 10 to 15 minutes
Making this fish curry at home is straightforward. Start by picking up around 1 kilogram of Laal Pari fish from the market. In a kadhai, add 200 grams of onion, 100 grams of ginger garlic paste and 300 grams of oil, and keep stirring the mixture continuously. Next, add 10 grams of whole garam masala, 5 grams of coriander, 10 grams of salt and 15 grams of red chilli, then pour in a little water. Place the fish on top of this mixture and cover the kadhai, letting it cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Once that time is up, a quick, flavourful Laal Pari fish curry is ready to serve, and its aroma alone is enough to sharpen anyone's appetite.

With such a short cooking time and a market price that stays within reach for most households, the Laal Pari fish has become a practical everyday option for families in Burhanpur looking for a protein-rich meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What this means for you
• Across India: A fish with very few bones and high protein content offers a quick, budget-friendly meal option for health-conscious households.
• In Burhanpur: Local fish sellers and buyers are directly benefiting as the Laal Pari fish trades at 250 to 300 rupees a kilogram in the district market.

Questions & Answers

1. Where is the Laal Pari fish found?
It is found in the largest numbers in the Tapti river in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur district.

2. Why is it called the red fairy fish?
It belongs to the Rohu species and gets its local name from the red spots on its body and near its fins.

3. What is its price in the market?
It currently sells for between 250 rupees and 300 rupees per kilogram.

4. How long does it take to cook?
Following the right method, the fish curry is ready in just 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Is this fish good for health?
Yes, it is rich in protein, which is why doctors recommend eating it.

6. What ingredients are needed to cook it?
You need 1 kilogram of fish, 200 grams of onion, 100 grams of ginger garlic paste, 300 grams of oil, 10 grams of whole garam masala, 5 grams of coriander, 10 grams of salt and 15 grams of red chilli.

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