Authentic Bengali Fish Curry: Macher Jhol
Experience the soul of Bengali cuisine with this aromatic fish curry that combines mustard oil, warming spices, and tender fish in a light, flavorful broth. This traditional macher jhol delivers comfort in every spoonful with its perfect balance of turmeric, mustard seeds, and fresh herbs.
Print
Pin
Save
Servings: 4
Calories: 285kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb Rohu or firm white fish fillets
- 2 onions made into paste
- 2 tsp ginger paste
- 1 tsp garlic paste
- 2 tomatoes made into paste
- 1 tsp mustard paste optional
- 3 tbsp mustard oil
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp nigella seeds kalonji
- 1 tsp cayenne/red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp garam masala optional
- 4-5 green chilies
- Salt to taste
- Lemon juice to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate fish pieces with turmeric and salt for 10 minutes.
- Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan and fry mustard seeds and nigella seeds until they splutter.
- Add onion paste, ginger paste, garlic paste, and tomato paste; cook until oil separates from the mixture.
- Add turmeric, coriander powder, cayenne, and garam masala; mix well and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add 2 cups water and bring to a simmer, then gently add marinated fish pieces without stirring.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes until fish is tender, then add lemon juice and green chilies.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes more and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
Notes
Use mustard oil for authentic flavor, but vegetable oil can substitute if unavailable
Don't stir the curry once fish is added to prevent breaking the pieces
Rohu is traditional, but cod, halibut, or tilapia work well as substitutes
Adjust water quantity based on desired curry consistency - Bengali fish curry is typically light and brothy
Make pastes fresh for best flavor, or prepare them a day ahead and refrigerate
Serve immediately with steamed basmati rice for the complete Bengali experience
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 450mg | Potassium: 580mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 7g