For non-vegetarian food lovers, the passion for fish is quite unique. While many enjoy the taste of fish, they often struggle with how to prepare it perfectly at home. If you are a fan of seafood and find yourself bored with the usual flavors, you should definitely try making Bihari-style fish curry in your kitchen. The standout feature of this traditional dish is its signature masala, which heavily relies on yellow mustard and garlic. Cooked in mustard oil, this spicy, tangy, and aromatic curry is sure to refresh your palate. Follow this simple recipe to prepare it.
Essential Ingredients
- Fish (Rohu or Katla): 500 grams
- Yellow Mustard Seeds: 3 tablespoons
- Garlic Cloves: 15-20
- Onion: 1 large (finely chopped)
- Tomatoes: 2 large
- Mustard Oil: For frying and gravy
- Dry Spices: 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1.5 teaspoons red chili powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, half a teaspoon cumin powder
- Fenugreek Seeds: Half a teaspoon
- Salt: To taste
- Fresh Coriander: Finely chopped for garnishing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start by cleaning the fish pieces thoroughly. Marinate them with half a teaspoon of turmeric, half a teaspoon of red chili powder, and a little salt, then let them sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 2: In a blender jar, combine the yellow mustard seeds, garlic cloves, and a little water. Blend it into a completely smooth paste, as this is the soul of the recipe.
Step 3: Heat plenty of mustard oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, fry the marinated fish pieces until they turn golden and crispy on both sides. Remove them and set them aside on a plate.
Step 4: Add fenugreek seeds to the remaining oil. When they begin to crackle, add the chopped onion and sauté until golden. Now, add the prepared mustard-garlic paste and cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat. After this, add the turmeric, red chili, coriander, and cumin powders, and keep sautéing until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
Step 5: Add the chopped tomatoes and salt to the sautéed spices. Cook until the tomatoes are completely soft and you can smell the aromatic spices. Add water as needed to reach the desired consistency for the gravy and bring it to a boil.
Step 6: Once the gravy starts boiling, add the fried fish pieces into it. Cover and let it cook on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes so that the fish absorbs the flavors of the gravy. Finally, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and enjoy.
