Muri Ghonto
Fish Head Curry
A traditional Bengali delicacy where the fish head is cooked with aromatic spices and rice, creating a rich and flavorful one-pot dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large piece Fish Head(preferably Rohu or Katla, cleaned and cut into pieces)
- 1/2 cup Basmati Rice(washed and drained)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
- 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
- 1 medium Tomatoes(finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 1/2 tsp Red Chili Powder(adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1/2 tsp Garam Masala Powder
- 1 tsp Whole Garam Masala(e.g., cardamom, cloves, cinnamon)
- 1 piece Bay Leaf
- 3-4 tbsp Mustard Oil
- to taste Salt
- 2 cups Water
- 2-3 pieces Green Chilies(slit)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the fish head: Clean the fish head thoroughly. Marinate with salt and turmeric powder. Lightly fry the fish head in mustard oil until golden brown. Set aside.
- 2
Prepare the masala base: In the same pan, add a little more mustard oil if needed. Temper with whole garam masala and bay leaf. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
- 3
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened. Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook the masala until oil separates.
- 4
Add the washed rice and sauté for a minute, coating it with the masala.
- 5
Add the fried fish head pieces and mix gently. Pour in 2 cups of water and add the slit green chilies. Bring to a boil.
- 6
Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Do not stir too much to keep the fish head pieces intact.
- 7
Once cooked, sprinkle garam masala powder and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using mustard oil is crucial for the authentic flavor.
- ✓Ensure the fish head is very fresh.
- ✓Be gentle when mixing the rice and fish head to avoid breaking the head pieces.
- ✓This dish is often served with a side of fried potatoes or other fried vegetables.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a small amount of ghee towards the end for richness.
- A pinch of sugar can be added to balance the flavors.