Shorshe Maach Recipe – Bengali Style Mustard Fish Curry
Embark on a culinary journey to the vibrant kitchens of Bengal with the exquisite Shorshe Maach, a traditional mustard fish curry that is celebrated for its bold flavors and rich cultural heritage. This dish showcases the delightful union of fish and mustard, delivering a tangy and spicy experience that is best enjoyed with steaming rice. Ideal for dinner, this recipe serves four and is categorized as a high-protein, non-vegetarian dish, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious food lovers.
Ingredients
To create the perfect Shorshe Maach, gather the following ingredients, which combine to create a deliciously aromatic and flavorful dish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Green chillies (slit) | 2 |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | 3 sprigs (finely chopped) |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mustard oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Seer fish or hilsa fish | 4 pieces |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Yellow mustard seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Green chili | 1 |
| Warm water | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | 2 sprigs (chopped) |
| Lemon wedges | 2 |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 350 |
| Protein | Approximately 30g |
| Carbohydrates | Approximately 10g |
| Fat | Approximately 25g |
| Fiber | Approximately 2g |
| Sodium | Approximately 500mg |
Preparation Time
| Item | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
Instructions
The process of preparing the delightful Shorshe Maach is a straightforward journey that leads to a satisfying and aromatic dish, ideal for dinner. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your curry is bursting with flavor:
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Prepare the Fish: Start by cleaning the fish thoroughly. In a bowl, marinate the fish pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/4 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Allow the fish to marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Make the Mustard Paste: While the fish is marinating, prepare the mustard paste. In a separate bowl, soak the yellow mustard seeds in warm water for about 10 minutes. After soaking, drain the water and transfer the seeds to a blender. Add the slit green chillies and 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric powder to the blender, and blend until you achieve a smooth paste. Add a little water if necessary to aid in blending.
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Searing the Fish: In a large, heavy-bottomed non-stick pan, heat 3 tablespoons of mustard oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated fish pieces. Sear the fish for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Once seared, remove the fish from the pan and set aside.
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Creating the Curry Base: In the same oil, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds. Allow them to crackle and pop, releasing their aromatic flavor into the oil. Once they start to crackle, add the mustard paste to the pan. Sauté the paste for a couple of minutes on medium heat until it begins to bubble, indicating that the raw flavor of the mustard has cooked out.
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Combine and Cook: Gently place the seared fish back into the pan with the mustard paste. Carefully adjust the salt and chili levels to your taste preference. Add warm water (1/2 cup) to the pan, covering the fish and curry mixture.
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Simmer: Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let the curry simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Finishing Touches: After the cooking time, turn off the heat and taste the curry. Adjust the salt and spices according to your preference. Garnish the Shorshe Maach with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a vibrant finish.
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Serve: Present the tangy Shorshe Maach alongside steaming white rice and a side of Bengali-style Shaak Bhaja (stir-fried greens) for a wholesome and delicious meal that captures the essence of Bengali cuisine.
Indulge in the rich flavors and aromas of Shorshe Maach, where every bite transports you to the heart of Bengal, celebrating the beautiful interplay of mustard and fish that makes this dish a beloved classic in Bengali households. Enjoy the culinary experience and the joy of sharing this delightful meal with family and friends!
