Katla Maacher Jhol

Katla fish is one of the most used fish by the Bengalis, we prepare different varieties of dishes with this type of fish. Katla Maacher Jhol is a Bengali delectable traditional, age-old Bengali style fish curry where fried fish is simmered in the gravy. It is one of the very simple fish curries prepared in our daily routine, and it has been an all-time favourite dish in my family. We normally eat other fishes too, so Katla fish is cooked at least once or twice in a month.

The main requirement of today's delicious fish curry is Katla fish, however, it can also be replaced by other popular fishes such as Rohu or Bhetki. Katla fish is a kind of freshwater species, also known as Catla. The taste of the fish is not too subtle to detect it being a freshwater fish, also very succulent and juicy when cooked. Fresh fish from the market tastes much better and holds the ethereal flavour of the Bengali traditional aromatic gustation in the dish which we Bengalis love to savour hot with every meal.

Katla Maacher Jhol, in other words, Katla fish curry is an onion tomato based gravy, however, we love some of our fish curries cooked with potatoes, therefore I've added potato cubes as per my family recommendation and need of taste. Hence the dish can also be called as Katla Maach Aloo diye Jhol, i.e., Katla Fish Curry cooked with potatoes. We prepare at least one type of the main dish in a week which has to be a Fish recipe for sure, there you can imagine the variety of fish curries we tend to prepare every week for that matter. I usually prefer my recipes to be healthy keeping it less spicy and not too much of oil, even though fish recipes require more oil for frying the fishes, I've avoided using oil for the remaining cooking. Hence, this Katla Maacher Jhol is less spicy and perfect dish for all ages.

Head on to the full recipe with the step by step preparation method and pictures shared below. Like, comment and share your views regarding the recipe. I would love to hear from you!!

Katla Maach (Catla Fish)

Katla Maacher Jhol

[Non-Veg]

Author: Paromita.P

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes (approx)

Recipe Type: Curry

Course: Main dish

Cuisine: Indian/Bengali

Serves: 4

Measuring Items: 1 cup=150 ml; Teaspoon (tsp)

Tips:

Adjust the spiciness and gravy according to your desired taste and consistency respectively.

Deep fry the fish in fumy hot oil keeping the flame from high to medium. Do not fry for too long as fish gets harder to chew.

Ingredients:

1. Katla Fish- 500 grams
2. Potato- 4
3. Onion- 2 (large sized)
4. Tomato- 3
5. Green chilies- 5
6. Ginger- an inch
7. Garlic- 8 cloves

Spices:

1. Cumin powder- 2 tsp
2. Red mirchi powder- 2 tsp
3. Turmeric powder- 2 tsp
4. Salt- for taste
5. Mustard oil-1.5 cup (or as needed for frying)

Method:

How to prepare ‘Katla Maacher Jhal’ with step by step pictures and instructions-

1. Wash the fish pieces properly with water.
   
2. Sprinkle a pinch of turmeric powder and salt. Marinade for at least 10 minutes.
   
3. Heat oil in a thick round-bottomed pan, fry the fish on both the sides and keep aside.
   
4. Chop the required veggies in the desired shape or as shown in the picture.
   
5. Oil remains in the pan after frying the fishes, hence, add sliced onions and green chilies.
   
6. Fry till onions turn translucent.
   
7. Now add the potatoes. Cover the lid and cook until potatoes turn softer.
   
8. After 5 minutes add the powdered spices mentioned above. Mix them well.
   
9. Add the sliced tomatoes and mix well. Cover the pan and cook for more 10 minutes.
   
10. Now pour 1.5 cups of water, bring to a boil.
    
11. Add the fried fishes, cook for another 5 minutes and it's done.
    

There it is our very own simple fish recipe Katla Maacher Jhol, not so spicy but very delicious ready to be served hot with plain steamed rice. Prepare this delectable fish curry not taking much more than a half an hour. It is easy to prepare and very tasty when served with rice, salads, other fried veggies on the side of the plate, hence making it perfect meal combo for the weekends as well as the days when you are in hush bush. Find some more Fish recipes on my blog Shorshe Maach , Bata Pona Maacher Jhaal , Rohu Fish Eggs Fry , Bhapa Shorshe Ilish , Tilapia Fish. Enjoy cooking, serving and eating!!

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