Creamy Indian Butter Fish Recipe – Bengali Style Pabda Fish
A creamy, flavorful fish curry from the heart of Bengali cuisine, this Creamy Indian Butter Fish, or Creamy Pabda Fish, combines the delicate, tender texture of Indian butterfish with a rich, spiced cream sauce that’s simply irresistible. This dish brings together traditional Bengali spices, fresh cream, and mustard oil to create a unique and mouthwatering combination. Paired with steamed rice and Bengali-style Tetor Dal, this dish is perfect for a weekday meal.
Recipe Overview:
- Cuisine: Bengali
- Course: Side Dish
- Diet: High-Protein, Non-Vegetarian
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Indian butter fish (Pabda) | 4 pieces |
| Mustard oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry red chillies | 4 pieces |
| Green chillies (slit) | 4 pieces |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh coriander (Dhania) leaves | A few sprigs |
| Fresh cream | 1 tablespoon |
| Panch Phoran masala | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Fish
- Begin by cleaning the Indian butter fish (Pabda). Gently pat the fish dry using a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
- Marinate the fish with a pinch of salt and set it aside for 2 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
Step 2: Preparing the Creamy Sauce
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the fresh cream, turmeric powder, Panch Phoran masala, Kashmiri red chilli powder, water, and the remaining salt. This creamy mixture will form the base for the flavorful sauce that will coat the fish.
- Keep the sauce mixture aside for the moment.
Step 3: Frying the Fish
- Heat mustard oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the dry red chillies and green chillies (slit) to the oil. Let them infuse their aroma into the oil for a few seconds.
- Gently place the marinated fish into the pan, frying each side for about 2 minutes until lightly golden. Be extra careful when flipping the fish as it is very delicate and can break easily.
Step 4: Coating the Fish with Sauce
- Once the fish is lightly fried, pour the whisked creamy sauce over the fish to completely coat it. Ensure the fish is evenly covered with the sauce, adding an extra depth of flavor.
- Arrange the green chillies on top of the fish for added fragrance and mild heat.
Step 5: Cooking the Fish
- Lower the heat to simmer and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the fish to cook for 5 minutes on low flame, letting the flavors meld together while the fish becomes tender and absorbs the sauce.
- Check the salt level and adjust to your preference, stirring gently so as not to break the fish.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
- Once the fish is cooked through and tender, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve this creamy, flavorful Indian Butter Fish with Bengali-style Tetor Dal and steaming hot rice for a wholesome, comforting meal.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Indian Butter Fish:
- Use fresh mustard oil: Mustard oil is an essential component of Bengali cooking, adding a distinct aroma and flavor to the dish.
- Be gentle with the fish: Indian butterfish (Pabda) is delicate, so handle it carefully to avoid breaking it while cooking.
- Adjust spice levels: You can modify the level of heat by adjusting the quantity of green chillies and red chilli powder to suit your taste.
- Creamy consistency: Ensure the sauce is thick enough to coat the fish, but not too runny. You can adjust the consistency with a little extra cream or water, depending on your preference.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
This Creamy Indian Butter Fish recipe captures the essence of Bengali cuisine in every bite. The smooth, creamy sauce beautifully complements the tender fish, making it a must-try dish for seafood lovers. Enjoy it as part of a traditional Bengali meal or as a rich, flavorful side dish for any occasion.
