Creamy Indian Butter Fish (Pabda Fish) Recipe – A Bengali Delight
Description:
Creamy Indian Butter Fish, also known as Pabda Fish, is a cherished dish in Bengali cuisine. Known for its delicate flavor and rich texture, this recipe transforms the humble Pabda into a deliciously creamy and spicy indulgence. Whether you’re preparing it for a mid-week family dinner or a special weekend meal, this simple yet flavorful fish recipe is sure to leave your taste buds craving for more. Paired with steamed rice and Bengali-style Tetor Dal, it becomes a comforting, complete meal.
Cuisine: Bengali
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Indian Butter Fish (Pabda) | 4 fish |
| Mustard Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dry Red Chillies | 4 whole |
| Green Chillies | 4, slit |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh Coriander (Dhania) | A few sprigs, chopped |
| Fresh Cream | 1 tablespoon |
| Panch Phoran Masala | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
Instructions
-
Preparation of Fish:
Start by cleaning the Indian Butter Fish (Pabda). Gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Once cleaned, lightly season the fish with a pinch of salt and set them aside to marinate for about 2 minutes. This allows the salt to permeate the delicate flesh of the fish. -
-
Whisk the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the fresh cream, turmeric powder (haldi), Kashmiri red chili powder, Panch Phoran Masala, and salt. Add 1/2 cup of water to the mixture and stir until it forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Set this sauce aside for later use. -
Frying the Fish:
Heat the mustard oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, gently place the fish in the pan. Fry the fish lightly on both sides for about 1-2 minutes, just enough to give it a slight golden brown color. Be gentle while flipping as the Pabda fish is very delicate and may break easily. -
Cooking the Fish in Creamy Sauce:
Once the fish is lightly fried, pour the pre-whisked creamy sauce over the fish, ensuring that each piece is well-coated. Add the slit green chilies on top of the fish. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on a low flame for about 5 minutes, allowing the fish to cook through and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. -
Final Touches:
After 5 minutes, check the seasoning and adjust the salt as necessary. Sprinkle fresh coriander (dhania) leaves over the fish for a burst of freshness. -
Serve:
Serve the creamy Indian Butter Fish hot with steamed rice and Bengali-style Tetor Dal for a wholesome and flavorful meal. The tender fish in its rich, spiced cream sauce makes for an irresistible combination when paired with the other Bengali delicacies.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Indian Butter Fish
- Delicate Fish: The Pabda fish is delicate, so handle it with care while frying and flipping to avoid breaking it.
- Mustard Oil: Mustard oil is the traditional cooking medium in Bengali cuisine, adding a characteristic sharp flavor. However, if unavailable, you can substitute it with vegetable oil, though the flavor will not be the same.
- Consistency of Sauce: You can adjust the consistency of the creamy sauce by adding more or less water. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the water quantity slightly.
- Spice Level: This recipe uses Kashmiri red chili powder for its color and mild heat, along with green chilies for an added zing. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to increase the number of green chilies or use a spicier chili powder.
- Serving Suggestions: For an authentic Bengali meal, serve this dish alongside Tetor Dal (Bengali-style sour lentil soup) and steamed basmati rice for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Indian Butter Fish, or Pabda Fish, is a quintessential Bengali recipe that blends the richness of cream with the vibrant flavors of spices. Whether you’re a fan of Bengali cuisine or looking to try something new, this dish is sure to impress with its aromatic sauce and tender fish. Simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, it makes for an excellent choice for a family dinner or a weekend lunch.
Enjoy this dish and explore the diverse flavors of Bengali cooking from the comfort of your own home!
