Monday, 14 October 2024

Katla Tel Jhal (কাতলা তেল ঝাল)

 **Katla Tel Jhal** is a traditional Bengali fish curry made with Katla fish (a type of freshwater carp) and a mustard oil-based spicy gravy. Here's a simple recipe:


### Ingredients:

- 4-5 pieces of **Katla fish**

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

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

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

- 1 tablespoon of **ginger-garlic paste**

- 1 teaspoon **turmeric powder**

- 1 teaspoon **red chili powder**

- 1 teaspoon **cumin powder**

- 1 teaspoon **coriander powder**

- 1/2 teaspoon **garam masala powder**

- 2-3 tablespoons of **mustard oil** (for frying and cooking)

- 1 teaspoon of **panch phoron** (Bengali five spice)

- Salt to taste

- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

- Water as needed


### Instructions:


1. **Marinate the fish:**

   - Clean the fish pieces thoroughly.

   - Marinate them with salt and turmeric powder for 15-20 minutes.


2. **Fry the fish:**

   - Heat mustard oil in a pan until it starts to smoke.

   - Fry the marinated fish pieces until they turn golden brown on both sides. Set them aside.


3. **Prepare the spice base:**

   - In the same pan, add a little more mustard oil if needed.

   - Add **panch phoron** and allow it to splutter.

   - Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

   - Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell goes away.


4. **Cook the tomatoes and spices:**

   - Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.

   - Add turmeric, red chili powder, cumin powder, and coriander powder. Stir and cook until the oil starts separating from the masala.


5. **Add water and fish:**

   - Add 1-1.5 cups of water to the pan, and bring the gravy to a boil.

   - Lower the heat, add the fried fish pieces, and cook for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors of the gravy.


6. **Final seasoning:**

   - Add garam masala powder and slit green chilies. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes.

   - Adjust salt as needed.


7. **Serve:**

   - Garnish with fresh coriander leaves (optional).

   - Serve hot with steamed rice.


Enjoy your **Katla Tel Jhal** with plain rice for an authentic Bengali meal!

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