Choto Macher Tok (Tamarind fish curry)

::Ingredients::

500gm small fish

100gm vegetables cut into small cubes - optional (Vegetables like pumpkin, radish and sweet potato go well with Tok)

2tsp oil

1tsp paanch poran

2 dry chillies

2tsp tamarind paste + 3 cups water

0.5tsp turmeric powder

1tsp salt

1tsp sugar

::Procedure::

1. Lightly fry the fish in oil and keep aside

2. Heat oil in a wok and add paanch poran and chillies.

3. Add tamarind paste, water, turmeric powder, salt and sugar.

4. Add the fish and the vegetables. Let it boil for 15 mins.

Enjoy Maacher Tok over rice !

Narkel chingri (King-prawn Coconut curry)

::Ingredients::

500gm King prawns

250gm potatoes

2 onions

2tsp Ginger-garlic paste

2 cardamoms crushed

100gm coconut milk (or grated)

2 bay leaves

2 dry red chillies

1tsp cumin seeds

1tsp chilly powder

Salt, turmeric powder and oil

2 cups water

::Procedure::

1. Peel, cut potatoes and apply 0.5tsp salt and 0.25tsp turmeric powder.

2. Clean prawns and apply 0.5tsp salt and 0.25tsp turmeric powder to prawns.

3. Heat 2tsp oil in a wok and put bay leaves, red chilly and cumin seeds.

4. Add onions and fry till slight golden. The add potatoes and fry till golden. Add prawns and stir.

5. Add Ginger-garlic paste, 1tsp chilly powder, 1tsp turmeric powder, 1.5tsp salt an mix well.

6. After a while, add the coconut milk and water. Add crushed cardamom & boil till potatoes and prawns are done.

Enjoy Narkel Chingri over rice !

Bhetki Maacher Jhol (Red Snapper Curry)

::Ingredients::

500gm Bhetki Maach (Red Snapper)

2 bay leaves

2 dry chillies

1 tsp cumin seeds

2 onions (medium chopped)
2 potatoes (peeled and cut)

5-6 florets of cauliflower
1tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2tbsp tomato puree
2 green chillies (medium chopped)
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp salt
1 tsp garam masala

::Procedure::

1. Heat oil in a wok and add onions, cumin, dry chillies and bay leaves. Then add potato and cauliflower and stir to fry till slight golden-yellow.

2. Add onion & ginger-paste paste and mix. After a while, add a purée of tomatoes, green chilly along with salt an turmeric. Add little water to prevent sticking.

3. Add garam masala and stir.

4. Add water and cover to simmer on medium for 15-20 mins. (check if fish is done).

Enjoy the Bhetki Maach over rice !

Bhapa Ilish Maach (Steamed Hilsa Fish)

::Ingredients::

500gm Hilsa fish (iIish maach)

50gm mustard seeds

10gm poppy seeds (optional)

2 onions (ground paste)

3 green chillies (cut along length)

2 tbsp mustard oil

2 tsp turmeric powder

2 tsp salt

2 cups water

::Procedure::

1. Marinate fish with 1tsp turmeric powder and 1 tsp salt and leave for 5 mins

2. Grind the mustard and poppy seeds (preferably on a stone) to make a paste

3. Put fish in a microwavable dish and cover with all ingredients. Mix well and add the water.

4. Place the dish in the microwave and start it for 10 mins. Let it stand for 15 mins for it to cool.

Enjoy the Bhapa Ilish !