Authentic Bengali Style Fish Curry To Enjoy With Steamed Rice

By Shreya Sarpal

July 7, 2025

Bengali fish curry is also known as Macher Jhol, a traditional fish curry from Bengal. It is light, flavoured and made with freshwater fish, simmered in a mildly spiced gravy, usually served with steamed rice.

Ingredients

500 g rohu or katla fish (cut into pieces) 2 tbsp mustard oil 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp red chilli powder 2 finely chopped onions 2 chopped tomatoes 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 2 slit green chillies 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp garam masala powder Salt to taste Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Step 1

Marinate fish pieces with turmeric and salt for 10 minutes and shallow fry in mustard oil until they turn golden brown, set aside.

Step 2

In the same oil, add cumin seeds, let them splutter, then add onions and sauté till they turn golden.

Step 3

Add ginger garlic paste, tomatoes, turmeric, red chilli powder, and cook till the oil separates.

Step 4

Pour in water to make gravy, bring to a boil, then add fried fish pieces and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes

Step 5

Finish with garam masala, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot with steamed rice.