Muri ghonto (Fish Head with Potato Curry)

Maacher Matha or muro in Bengali is what gives this dish it's name. Matha is fish head in English. It is a dry dish made with fried fish heads, potatoes, little rice and some spices. Usually Rui (Rohu) or Katla fish is used in this dish.
Muri Ghonto  is my son in laws favourite. Muri Ghonto  is a bit heavy on the stomach and is best eaten at lunch on a lazy weekend.

Ingredients :

Fish Heads (Katla Fish Heads)............................................2 heads

Gobindo Bhog Rice.............................................................100grams

Onion,Chopped...................................................................1large

Garlic,chopped....................................................................6-8 pods

Ginger,minced......................................................................1 inch

Green Chilly's,chopped.........................................................2
Desi Ghee............................................................................2 tsp
Potatoes,cubed....................................................................2,medium                
Mustard Oil.........................................................................6 tbsp    
Dry Red Chilly....................................................................2                                
Five Spice Mix (Paanch Phoron)..........................................1/4 tsp                       Paanch Phoron
Bay Leaf.............................................................................2
RedChillyPowder...............................................................................1/2 tsp
Turmeric Powder.................................................................1/4 tsp
Salt....................................................................................as per taste
Sugar.................................................................................1 tsp
Coriander Powder..............................................................1 tsp
Garam Masala powder........................................................1/2 tsp
Garam Masala Whole
          Green Cardamom........................................................2
           Cloves........................................................................2
           Cinnamon....................................................................2

Method :

Smear turmeric powder and salt on the fish heads and fry in hot mustard oil till crisp. Keep aside.

Soak the rice in water for half an hour. Drain water.

In the same hot oil, add bay leaves, dry red chilly's, whole garam masala and paanch phoron. Stir fry a bit and then add the garlic. Fry till the garlic browns.
Add the onion. Fry till transparent.

Add the ginger and green chilly and stir fry.

Add the potato cubes and fry.

Add all the dry spices, salt and sugar.

Add the rice and stir. Then sprinkle some water, put a lid and cook on low flame till the rice softens.

After the rice is cooked, add the fish heads and cover. Cook on low heat for another five minutes.

Remove the lid and mix. Sprinkle the desi ghee and serve.

Muri Ghonto

My Jamai

You have my assurance, this dish smells and tastes heavenly. Do try it....