Kolkata Fish Curry

Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a city that's not only famous for its culture and heritage but also for its mouthwatering cuisine. One of the gems in the crown of Kolkata's culinary treasures is the Kolkata Fish Curry. This curry is a testament to the city's love for fish and its ability to turn this humble ingredient into a flavorful masterpiece. In this blog, we'll take you on a culinary journey to Kolkata and guide you through the steps to create a tantalizing Kolkata Fish Curry in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

- 500 grams of fish (preferably rohu or katla)

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- Salt to taste

- 1 tablespoon mustard oil

For the Curry:

- 2 tablespoons mustard oil

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise

- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon coriander powder

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

- 1/2 teaspoon sugar

- Salt to taste

- 1 cup warm water

- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinating the Fish

1. Wash the fish thoroughly and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. In a bowl, mix the fish pieces with turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and 1 tablespoon of mustard oil. Ensure that the fish is well-coated with the marinade. Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Cooking the Kolkata Fish Curry

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of mustard oil in a deep pan or kadai over medium-high heat. Mustard oil is a key ingredient in Kolkata Fish Curry, as it imparts a unique flavor to the dish.

2. Add cumin seeds and mustard seeds to the hot oil. Let them splutter and release their aroma.

3. Add the finely chopped onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and slightly brown.

4. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a few more minutes until the raw smell disappears.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.

6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, sugar, and salt. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes until the spices are well incorporated.

7. Carefully place the marinated fish pieces into the pan. Be gentle while doing this to prevent breaking the fish.

8. Pour in warm water to cover the fish pieces. Simmer the curry on low heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and the flavors meld together.

Step 3: Serving

1. Garnish the Kolkata Fish Curry with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.

2. Serve the curry hot with steamed rice. The combination of the spicy curry and fragrant rice is a match made in culinary heaven.

To sum up

Kolkata Fish Curry is a celebration of flavors and a reflection of the city's love affair with fish. With its rich and aromatic spices, this dish encapsulates the essence of Kolkata's cuisine. Whether you're a seafood lover or just someone looking to explore the diverse flavors of India, this recipe is a must-try. So, take a culinary journey to the City of Joy and savor the delightful taste of Kolkata Fish Curry in your own kitchen. Your taste buds will thank you for it!