Maachli Jaisamandi – Rajasthani Style Fish in Creamy Gravy
Description:
Rajasthan, a land of royalty and rich traditions, offers a unique culinary treasure trove passed down through generations of royal Maharaja families. The recipes of this royal cuisine reflect the grandeur and finesse of regal dining, capturing the essence of Rajasthanโs opulence in every bite. Maachli Jaisamandi, a beloved Rajasthani fish dish, is no exception. This recipe blends tender fish fillets with a fragrant green chutney and a creamy, spiced gravyโtruly a regal experience for your tastebuds. Whether served on a grand occasion or as an indulgent weekday treat, this dish is sure to transport you to the royal kitchens of Rajasthan.
Cuisine: Rajasthani
Course: Lunch
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Fish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fish fillet | 300 grams |
| Salt | To taste |
| Gram flour (Besan) | 4 tsp |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/8 tsp |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/4 tsp |
| Water | As needed for batter |
| Oil | 4 tsp |
For the Green Chutney:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | As required |
| Mint leaves (Pudina) | As required |
| Green chilli | 1 |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 tsp |
For the Gravy:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cream | 100 ml |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1 cup |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 3/4 tsp |
| Red chilli powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/4 tsp |
| Oil | 2 tsp |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Instructions
-
Prepare the Fish:
- Wash the fish fillets thoroughly and cut them into 8 equal pieces.
- Rub the fish pieces with salt and allow them to rest for 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
-
Make the Batter:
- In a bowl, combine the gram flour, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and water. Mix well until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Green Chutney:
- In a blender or mixer, add coriander leaves, mint leaves, green chilli, and lemon juice.
- Grind to form a smooth paste. Add salt to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
-
Assemble the Fish Sandwiches:
- Take one piece of fish and spread a layer of green chutney on it.
- Place another piece of fish on top to form a โsandwich.โ Repeat this with the remaining fish fillets.
-
Fry the Fish Sandwiches:
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
- Dip the fish sandwiches into the prepared batter, ensuring they are lightly coated.
- Shallow fry the fish sandwiches, first on one side for about a minute, then flip them over and fry for another 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Once fried, remove the fish from the pan and set aside.
-
Prepare the Gravy:
- In the same pan, add a little more oil and heat over low flame.
- Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
- Pour in the prepared gravy mixture (fresh cream, curd, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and cumin seeds).
- Let the gravy cook for a couple of minutes until small bubbles start appearing on the surface, indicating that itโs ready. Turn off the heat.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Transfer the creamy gravy to a serving bowl.
- Gently place the fried fish sandwiches into the gravy.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
-
Serve:
- Maachli Jaisamandi is best enjoyed with Garlic Naan, Burani Raita, and Jeera Rice for a wholesome and indulgent meal.
Tips for the Perfect Maachli Jaisamandi:
- Fish Selection: Choose firm white fish fillets, such as rohu or tilapia, which hold their shape well during frying.
- Gravy Consistency: Ensure the gravy is thick and creamy, but not too runny. If the gravy is too thick, add a little water to adjust the consistency.
- Flavor Variations: You can adjust the level of spice in the green chutney by adding more or fewer green chillies, depending on your preference.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Enjoy your royal feast with Maachli Jaisamandiโa taste of Rajasthani grandeur, bringing the flavors of the Maharaja kitchens to your home!
