Big Fly Hygiene Products Ltd.

MACHHER JHOL

Machher Jhol or Machha Jhola is a traditional Bengali and Oriya spicy fish stew. It is in the form of a very spicy stew that is served with rice. MachherJhol is liberally seasoned with turmeric, garlic, onions, and grated ginger. Potatoes are added to the stew as a thickening agent. Tomatoes are also added to impart the dish with a reddish color which is preferred by the people of Bengal.

The kinds of fish that typically used in Bengali and Oriya households are Hilsa (called Ilisi), Rohu (called Rohi), and Catla (called Bhakura). Apart from these there are some very famous small sized fish that are normally favoured over others.

INGREDIENTS

1 small sized fish (preferably rohu)
turmeric powder
salt to taste
2 medium potatoes
5 green chillies
1.5 tbsp coriander seeds
1 tspn cumin seeds
3 tblsp mustard oil

PREPARATION

Clean, cut and take off fish head. Clean inside of the fish and wash thoroughly. Cut the fish into half-inch thick slices.
Pat dry with a kitchen towel and apply salt and turmeric powder.
Wash, take off and cut potatoes into half-inch thick finger sized pieces.
Wash, take off stems and slit the green chillies.
Dry roast coriander and cumin seeds briefly, cool and grind to a fine paste, adding a little water.
Heat up mustard oil in a skillet till it just reaches smoking point.
Remove, cool and heat up the oil again on medium heat.
Mix in the fish slices, few at a time and fry for a minute on each side. Remove and keep aside.
Mix in potato pieces to the pot and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Heat up remaining oil in the same pan, mix in kalonji, slit green chillies and stir-fry briefly.
Mix in coriander, cumin paste and stir fry on low heat up for a minute sprinkling a little water, if required.
Mix in 2 cups of water, sauteed potatoes, salt and simmer (boil slowly at low temperature) for 4-5 minutes or until the potatoes are completely cooked.
Gently slide in fried fish slices in the pot and simmer (boil slowly at low temperature) for 2 to 3 minutes or until the fish is cooked.
Serve hot with steamed rice.