Bengali Style Fish Curry – Easy Macher Jhol Recipe
Ingredients
1 Catfish (Aar Maach) - steak cut
Tomatoes - 1 large (or 2 medium)
Bay Leaf - 1
Ginger Garlic Paste - 2 tbsp
Green Chillies - 3, sliced
Panch Phoron Spice Mix - 1 tsp
Coriander Powder - 1 tsp
Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
Mustard Oil - 3-5 tbsp
Salt - to taste
Water - 2 cups
Coriander Leaves - garnish
This quick and easy Bengali style fish curry is simply delicious. Catfish steaks fried in mustard oil and finished in a spicy tomato masala gravy. This simple fish curry recipe uses minimal ingredients to achieve maximum flavor! Served with a side of fresh white rice, nothing can beat bengali macher jhol!
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make our Bengali fish curry. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Aar Macher Jhol calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our fish curry recipe in hindi.
Instructions
How to make Aar Macher Jhol - Bengali Fish Curry
Marinating the Aar Macher (catfish):
1) Wash the pieces of fish thoroughly with water and pat them dry.
2) Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Coat each piece of fish evenly with turmeric and salt.
3) Cover and marinate the fish for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.
Frying the Aar Macher:
1) In a wok or large heavy bottomed pan, add 3-5 tbsp of mustard oil over high heat. Fry the fish pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are lightly golden brown.
PRO TIP: Feel free to use canola oil or other oils good for frying as a substitute for Mustard Oil.
2) Remove the fish from the pan and set aside. The fish should only be cooked half way.
Making the Aar Macher Curry Gravy:
1) In the same wok/pan with the leftover oil, turn the heat to medium.
2) Once the oil is hot, add add 1 tsp panch pohron spice mix and 1 bay leaf.
3) Once the seeds begin to crackle, add 1 large or 2 medium tomatoes roughly chopped.
4) Saute and mix often until they are completely soft and mushy, about 10 minutes.
5) Add 1 tsp coriander powder, 1 tsp red chilli powder, and 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste.
6) Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until the raw smell goes away.
7) Add 2 cups of water and bring it to a simmer over low heat.
PRO TIP: You can add more or less water depending on your desired consistency!
8) Once the water starts simmering, add the fried fish back to the pan.
9) Add 3 slit green chilis. Mix gently but thoroughly. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10) Once the fish is fully cooked and the curry is at your desired consistency, season with salt to taste and mix gently. Turn off the heat.
11) Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve with fresh white rice!
This quick and easy Bengali style fish curry is simply delicious. Catfish steaks fried in mustard oil and finished in a spicy tomato masala gravy. This simple fish curry recipe uses minimal ingredients to achieve maximum flavor! Served with a side of fresh white rice, nothing can beat bengali macher jhol!
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make our Bengali fish curry. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Aar Macher Jhol calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our fish curry recipe in hindi.
Leave a review
We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.
Recent Recipes
Daal Khichdi Recipe - Easy Instant Pot Indian Rice & Dal Comfort Food with Ghee Tadka & Spices
Make this comforting Mixed Dal Khichdi with rice, moong dal, and masoor dal, cooked with warming spices and finished with a rich ghee tempering. This easy one-pot Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Indian meal is perfect for weeknights and everyday comfort. Pick up all your ingredients at Patel Brothers and enjoy a wholesome, homestyle classic.
Mixed Daal Khichdi is a comforting, one-pot (Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker) Indian dish made by cooking rice with a blend of lentils like moong dal and masoor dal. This wholesome, high protein and vegetarian meal is gently spiced with turmeric, chili powder, and aromatic masalas, creating a soft, nourishing texture that’s both satisfying and easy to digest. It’s a staple in many South Asian homes, often enjoyed as a simple yet flavorful everyday dish.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Mixed Daal Khichdi. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our dal khichdi recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Palak Paneer - Creamy Spinach Paneer Restaurant Style Curry - Easy Indian Vegetarian Dinner
Learn how to make creamy Palak Paneer with fresh spinach, soft paneer, and aromatic spices. This classic Indian vegetarian curry is rich, flavorful, and perfect with naan, roti, or rice. A simple, comforting dish that brings restaurant-style taste to your home kitchen.
Palak Paneer is one of the most popular paneer dishes, loved for its creamy texture and rich, comforting flavors. This classic Indian curry brings together fresh spinach and soft SWAD paneer cubes, creating a wholesome dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. As a staple in vegetarian Indian recipes, it’s a go-to option for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful Indian dinner at home.
This easy homemade palak paneer is inspired by restaurant style curries, combining a smooth spinach puree with aromatic spices for a perfectly balanced paneer curry. The creamy spinach paneer curry pairs beautifully with naan, roti, or rice, making it a versatile addition to your collection of Indian curry recipes. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Palak Paneer. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Palak Paneer recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
Chicken 65 Recipe - Crispy South Indian Fried Chicken with Garlic & Curry Leaves
Make crispy, spicy Chicken 65 at home with this easy step-by-step recipe for this classic Indian dish. Boneless chicken is marinated in a spiced yogurt batter, then fried until crispy and tossed in a flavorful sauce with garlic, curry leaves, and green chilies. This popular South Indian dish is perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or delicious side dish.
Chicken 65 is one of the most beloved spicy chicken dishes from South India. Known for its bold flavors and crispy texture, this dish features bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in yogurt, aromatic spices, and flours before being deep fried until perfectly crisp. The result is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer that is often served in restaurants and street food stalls across India.
In this recipe, the fried chicken is tossed in a fragrant tempering of garlic, green chilies, and curry leaves, then coated with a tangy chili sauce mixture. The combination creates a delicious balance of heat, spice, and savory flavor. Whether served as a party appetizer, snack, or side dish, Chicken 65 is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chicken 65. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our chicken 65 recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.
