RUI MAACHER KALIA

(RIVER CARP CURRY WITH FIVE SPICE)

Bengali cuisine has a variety of gravies, from the light ‘jhol’ to the thicker ‘kalia’. Here, the popular and easily available Rohu is enhanced by a rich combination of ingredients.

Preparation time: 40 minutes

Serves: 2 persons

200 gm Rohu (River Carp) (cut into darns, 2 pieces of 100 gm each)

50 gm onion paste

40 ml mustard oil

2 gm whole garam masala

5 gm ginger paste

20 gm coconut paste

½ tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp red chilli powder

5 gm cashew paste

1 gm roasted cumin powder

20 gm tomato paste

2–3 bay leaves

Salt to taste

Sugar to taste

1.

Wash and clean the fish.

2.

Heat mustard oil in a pan on low flame and sauté the fish. Remove and drain.

3.

In the same oil, temper with bay leaves and whole garam masala.

4.

Add sugar and sauté till it browns. Add onion paste, turn on high flame, and cook till it is golden brown.

5.

Add the ginger paste and sauté. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and coconut paste.

6.

Cook till the oil separates from the gravy. Add fresh tomato paste and cook further. Add the cashew paste and seasoning.

7.

Return the sautéed fish back to the pan. Continue to cook till oil separates from the gravy and it turns into a medium thick consistency.

8.

Finish with roasted cumin powder.

9.

Remove and serve.