Recipe

Bengali Style Fish Curry – Easy Macher Jhol Recipe

Prep: 
5 mins
Cook: 
35 mins

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.

Your Recipe rating*

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Recent Recipes

Easy Masala Oats Recipe with Rolled Oats, Vegetables, and Warm Masala Flavor

Enjoy a bowl of Masala Oats packed with rolled oats, vegetables, cumin, ginger, and flavorful masalas. This easy and savory vegan breakfast recipe brings together the comfort of Indian spices with the goodness of oats for a filling and wholesome start to the day.

Prep: 
20 mins
15 mins

Masala Oats is a warm and satisfying breakfast recipe that brings together the goodness of rolled oats with the bold, comforting flavors of Indian spices. Made with onions, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, peas, cumin, ginger, and masalas, this savory vegan oats recipe is a great option for mornings when you want something quick, filling, and flavorful.

This recipe is the perfect balance of healthy and comforting. The rolled oats make it hearty, while the vegetables add freshness, color, and texture. Whether you enjoy it as a quick breakfast, light lunch, or cozy evening meal, Masala Oats is healthy comfort food that feels familiar, nourishing, and full of homemade flavor.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Masala Oats. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our masala oats recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Aloo Kulcha Recipe - Soft Vegetarian Indian Bread Stuffed with Spiced Potatoes

Make delicious homemade Aloo Kulcha with a soft, fluffy dough and a savory spiced potato filling. A comforting vegetarian Indian potato flat bread recipe for lunch, dinner, or weekend meals.

Prep: 
1.5 hrs
20 mins

Aloo Kulcha is a comforting vegetarian Indian bread made with a soft, homemade dough and a flavorful mashed potato filling. The dough is prepared with maida, yogurt, warm milk, and a little oil or ghee, then rested until it becomes soft and easy to roll. Inside, the potato filling is mixed with roasted cumin, coriander seeds, ginger, green chilies, onions, cilantro, and classic spices for a bold, savory taste.

Each kulcha is stuffed, rolled, and cooked on a hot tawa until golden spots appear, then brushed with butter or ghee for a rich finish. Serve this vegetarian Aloo Kulcha hot with chole, yogurt, pickles, or chutney for a satisfying meal that brings the warmth of North Indian flavors right to your table.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Aloo Kulcha. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our aloo kulcha recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Chinese Bhel Recipe with Crispy Hakka Noodles - Easy Vegetarian Indo-Chinese Street Food Snack at Home

Make restaurant-style Chinese Bhel at home with crispy fried Hakka noodles, colorful vegetables, Schezwan sauce, and crunchy peanuts. This easy vegetarian recipe is full of flavor and perfect as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

Prep: 
35 mins
30 mins

Chinese Bhel is a crispy, colorful Indo-Chinese snack made with fried Hakka noodles, fresh vegetables, peanuts, and bold sauces. The noodles are boiled, lightly coated, fried until crunchy, then tossed with cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, green onions, and a spicy Schezwan-style sauce mixture.

This vegetarian recipe is perfect for anyone who loves street food flavors with plenty of texture in every bite. The crispy noodles, sautéed vegetables, and crunchy peanuts make it a fun ASMR-style recipe, while the oven-baked or air-fried noodle option gives you a lighter way to enjoy this favorite at home.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Chinese Bhel. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Chinese Bhel recipe calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.