Summer Special

Chital Maacher Petir Jhol

With the sun beating down, the humidity rising, everybody wanting to stay indoors, its up to us....homemakers to keep everyone happy.

The highlight of this sunday's lunch was " Chitol Maacher Petir Jhol " and " Kajoli Maacher Jhol ".

Chitol  maacher petir jhol are chitol ribs in rich silky smooth gravy.
Kajoli maacher jhol is kajoli maach in a thin gravy with nigella seeds and eggplant.

In Kolkata, one can sample a wide variety of fresh water fishes. Chitol and kajoli are two such fishes.
Jhol is a staple of every family. Jhol with steamed white rice is simply delicious.

Chitol Maacher Petir Jhol :

Coat the fish pieces with a little turmeric powder and salt and keep aside for 15-20 minutes.

Heat oil till it starts smoking and then add the fish pieces. Fry the fish pieces lightly and remove. Chitol peti
pieces are big in size so you can fry one at a time like me.

In the same oil , add 2 Bay Leaves and Gota Garam Masala (2 cloves,2 green cardamoms and a small piece of cinnamon whole). Add 2 tbsp Onion Paste, 2 tbsp Tomato Paste, 1/2 tsp Ginger Paste, 1 tsp Green Chilly Paste. Fry well till oil separates and rises to  the top. Then remove from flame , cool and strain.  Add 1 tsp Desi Ghee in the wok . Put the masala back in the wok and cook. This will make the gravy very smooth. Add 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder, 1/2 tsp Red Chilly Powder, 1 tsp Cumin paste, 1/2 tsp coriander Paste, Salt  and Sugar as per taste. Saute well. Add a dash of water to help you .When the spices are well done, add enough water to make gravy. Add the fish pieces, cover and cook on low heat. Fish cooks very quickly.

Chital Maacher Petir Jhol

Kajoli Maacher Jhol :

Kajoli Maacher Jhol

Coat 250 grams of the fish with a little

Turmeric Powder and Salt.

Kajoli MaachSalt and marinate for 10 minutes.

Heat 4 tbsp oil in a wok and fry the fish in small

.batches. Don't fry the fishes to much. Remove.

In the same oil, add a pinch of Nigella seeds (Kalo Jeere), 4-6 Green Chilly's cut into half, and 1EggPlants(Brinjal ) cut into thick  pieces 4 inch long and saute a bit. 

Add 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder , Salt as per taste and enough water to make gravy. Add chopped Coriander leaves 2 tbsp and cover and cook for 5 minutes.

Remove cover and put flame off.  This fish has a very nice taste and the taste of the fish can be had in this simple gravy . Everyone will surely ask for second helpings .

Serve both these dishes with Steamed White Rice and remember......Its the warmth of your hands that actually gives flavour to your food. Have a blast with the entire family.

THANKS FOR VISITING.... I HOPE YOU WOULD HAVE FOUND MY POSTS USEFUL....PLEASE LEAVE BACK YOUR COMMENTS....I WOULD BE HAPPY TO HEAR FROM YOU....