Doi Maach - Fish with yogurt gravy

Doi Maach is an authentic Bengali preparation which is generally made when some festival is there or some guests need to be entertained. In my kitchen it is often made as my husband loves this dish. Though I have made it with Katla (Carp) this preparation can easily be made with other fishes like Rohu, Aar maach ( Cat fish) or even Hilsa. There are few varieties of this dish which can be broadly categorized into two types – one with Turmeric powder like me and another which is without it. Probably I can give the other recipe some day.

Preparation Time: - 5 min

Cooking Time: - 30 min

Servings: - 2~3 persons depending upon one’s appetite

Ingredients:

• 5 medium large Katla/rohu fish/aar/
• 1 Medium onions chopped
• Salt to taste
• 2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp ginger paste
• 5 tbsp mustard oil ( you can use any vegetable oil if you do not like the smell)
• 3 tsp Ghee
• 2 green chilies slit
• 2 tbsp plain yogurt/curd
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tsp jeera / cumin powder
• 2 ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 ½ cup water
• 2 tsp sugar  (you can reduce this if you like)
• 1 ½ tbsp chopped coriander leaves

 Preparation:-

1. In a non-stick frying pan, heat 2 tbsp oil. Shallow fry the fish for about 2 min each side and keep aside. In a city like Bangalore you only get frozen fish and that is why you need to fry them first. If fresh fish is available locally then you may choose to not fry the fish.
2. In the same pan put the remaining oil and add 1 ½ tsp ghee. Heat in medium flame.
3. First add the bay leaves and then the onions. Fry till they turn golden brown. A nice aroma will fill your kitchen because of the ghee.
4. Now add the ginger paste and green chilies. Sauté for some time.
5. In a bowl beat the curd and add garam Masala, zeera powder and sugar. Mix thoroughly
   
6. Pour the mixture onto the pan. Put the gas burner on low flame and continue cooking till oil separates (about 3-4 minutes).
7. Add the water and mix well.
8. Add the fried fish.
   
9. Continue cooking in medium flame for about 15 min
10.  Add the coriander leaves and remaining ghee. Cook for another 1 min duration.

That’s all folks. You can have it with fried rice or white rice.

As always please feel free to comment, criticize and seek if any help is required. I am all ears and eyes.