Bengali cuisine is incomplete without fish. When it comes to fish, Bengali cuisine not only has various fish snacks and curry dishes to explore, but there is also a wide variety to explore in different types of fish. Each variety provides a unique taste, aroma and texture to a dish. While most people may be familiar with popular fish varieties like rohu and hilsa, there are still a variety of fish in Bengali cuisine that you have to try. In a recent Instagram video, RJ Sanchari Mukherjee talked about five lesser-known but Bengali-favourite fish varieties. To keep an eye:
Here are 5 Bengali favorite fish varieties that you must try:
1. Pabda Machh
‘Pabda’ is a native Indian catfish that is widely available in the eastern part of India, especially Kolkata and surrounding areas. This is a freshwater fish. A delicious dish that you can try with pabda fish is dhonepata jhol with boris (lentils). This fish curry is a must try during winters. You can also try the Shorshe Pabda curry which uses plenty of mustard oil and mustard powder, which is a very integral part of Bengali cuisine.
Also read: What to pair with Bengali Luchi – 5 side dishes that complement it perfectly
2. Any match
Koi Mach is another freshwater fish and is called ‘Climbing Perch’ in English. The bones of this fish are very hard but it is delicious. This fish is known for its delicate taste and texture. You can try phulkopi diya koi maach, where the curry is prepared with cauliflower florets, or you can try tel koi, which is a rich, spicy, refreshing and comforting winter dish.
Give some fish to Phulkopi Photo: Instagram/dashofdelish_04
3. Chittol Machh
Chitol (Indian featherback) is a prized fish in Bengal and Assam. There is something called minced fish dumpling which is called chittol macher muithya in Bengali. Chitol macher muithya is a dumpling made from meat taken from the highly bony dorsal part of fish. The texture of Chitol muithya is exactly like meat. It is prepared in spicy gravy and is a dish prepared especially during festivals.
Chitol Macher Muithya Photo: Instagram/Trisjamukherjee
4. Ar Mach
Also called Singhara, it is a freshwater fish with delicately textured flesh and a single bone. R Machher Jhol is a simple and easy fish curry prepared in almost all Bengali households. It is easy to make and can be made instantly. Also, this type of fish is perfect for those who are afraid of fish bones as this fish barely has any bones.
Also read: Kumro Pumpkin Bhorta is a Bengali specialty that may become your new comfort food (Recipe Inside)
5. Bhetki Maach
This fish has minimal bones and the flesh is soft, white and tasty. Bhetki Macher Paturi is a very famous dish. It is made from coconut, mustard paste and other delicious ingredients and then the fish is wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. This dish is extremely delicious and very hard to resist.
(embed Post)
Which of these fish varieties is your favourite? Share with us in the comments section.
