Shol Macher Jhol
A classic and comforting Bengali fish curry, Shol Macher Jhol features the firm, flavorful Shol fish simmered in a light, spiced gravy. Often prepared with potatoes and a blend of aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, this dish is a staple in many Bangladeshi households. It's typically enjoyed with plain steamed rice, allowing the delicate flavors of the fish and spices to shine through.
🧂 Ingredients
- 850 g Shol fish, cut into pieces
- 2 medium Potatoes, peeled and cut into medium cubes
- 3 medium Onions, finely chopped
- 2 tsp Garlic paste
- 1.5 tsp Ginger paste
- 3 Green chilies, slit
- 1 medium Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 0.5 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.75 tsp Red chili powder
- 0.5 tsp Turmeric powder
- 0.5 tsp Garam masala powder
- 0.25 tsp Cumin seeds
- 2 Bay leaves
- 7 tbsp Mustard oil
- to taste Salt
- as needed Water
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Clean the Shol fish pieces thoroughly and marinate with a pinch of turmeric powder and salt. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Marinating helps to infuse the fish with flavor and reduce any potential fishy odor. - 2
Heat mustard oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated fish pieces and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove the fish and set aside.
💡 Tip: Frying the fish first helps it to hold its shape during cooking and adds a layer of flavor. - 3
In the same pan, add a little more mustard oil if needed. Add cumin seeds and bay leaves, and let them splutter. Then, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
💡 Tip: Ensure the onions are well-browned to build a rich flavor base for the curry. - 4
Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies, and cook until the tomatoes soften.
💡 Tip: Cooking the aromatics well is crucial for a well-rounded curry. - 5
Add the turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and red chili powder. Stir well and cook for a minute until the spices are fragrant.
💡 Tip: To prevent spices from burning, you can add a tablespoon of water. - 6
Add the cubed potatoes and stir to coat them with the spice mixture. Pour in enough water to cover the potatoes and fish, and bring it to a boil. Season with salt to taste.
💡 Tip: Using warm water helps to maintain the cooking temperature. - 7
Once the gravy starts boiling, gently add the fried fish pieces back into the pot. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the fish is cooked through.
💡 Tip: Simmering on low heat allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. - 8
Sprinkle garam masala powder over the curry. Stir gently and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
💡 Tip: Adding garam masala at the end preserves its aromatic qualities. - 9
Serve hot with steamed rice.
💡 Tip: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Shol fish has a firm texture and is ideal for curries.
- ✓Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder according to your spice preference.
- ✓Mustard oil is traditional and adds a distinct flavor, but other cooking oils can be used if unavailable.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include a small amount of onion paste or tomato puree for a richer gravy.
- A pinch of sugar can be added to balance the flavors, especially if the tomatoes are very tart.
- For a thicker gravy, you can mash a few pieces of the cooked potato against the side of the pot.