Katla Fish Kalia(কাতলা মাছের কালিয়া)

 **Katla Fish kalia** is a popular Bengali dish made with katla, a type of carp fish. Here's a traditional recipe:

### Ingredients:

- **Katla fish** (cut into steaks) - 4-6 pieces

- **Onions** (finely chopped) - 2 medium-sized

- **Tomatoes** (chopped) - 2 medium-sized

- **Potatoes** (optional, cubed) - 2 small

- **Ginger-garlic paste** - 1 tablespoon

- **Green chilies** (slit) - 2-3

- **Turmeric powder** - 1 teaspoon

- **Red chili powder** - 1 teaspoon

- **Coriander powder** - 1 teaspoon

- **Cumin powder** - 1 teaspoon

- **Garam masala** - ½ teaspoon

- **Bay leaf** - 1

- **Cumin seeds** - ½ teaspoon

- **Mustard oil** (traditionally used) - 4-5 tablespoons

- **Fresh coriander leaves** (chopped) - for garnish

- **Salt** - to taste

- **Water** - as needed

### Instructions:

1. **Marinate the Fish:**

   - Rub the katla fish pieces with turmeric powder and salt.

   - Set them aside for 15-20 minutes.

2. **Fry the Fish:**

   - Heat mustard oil in a pan until it smokes lightly.

   - Fry the marinated fish pieces on medium heat until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

3. **Prepare the Curry Base:**

   - In the same oil (add more if needed), add the bay leaf and cumin seeds.

   - Once they splutter, add the chopped onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown.

   - Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Fry until the raw smell disappears.

   - Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt.

   - Cook the masala until the oil separates and the tomatoes are fully mashed.

4. **Add Potatoes (Optional):**

   - If using potatoes, add them to the masala now. Fry for a few minutes.

5. **Add Water:**

   - Pour in enough water to form the gravy, depending on how thick or thin you like it.

   - Let it come to a boil. Simmer the potatoes until they are tender.

6. **Add the Fish:**

   - Once the potatoes are done, gently place the fried fish pieces into the gravy.

   - Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to absorb the flavors. Adjust salt and spices if needed.

7. **Finish with Garam Masala:**

   - Sprinkle garam masala and stir gently.

8. **Garnish:**

   - Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

### Serve:

- Serve the Katla fish curry hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your delicious Bengali-style Katla fish Kalia!