Growing up in Bangladesh, we have all heard the saying ‘Mach-e-Bhat-e Bangali’. If you visit any Bangladeshi household or any Bengali household, you are
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surely going to find a fish curry decoratively laid on the dining table, enticing anyone who lays their eyes upon it with its vibrant hues.
Fish curries and dishes are often filled with memories that have been passed down from generation to generation. You must have heard your mom say that the special fish curry that she cooks was taught to her by her mother. Perhaps, now that ‘special’ recipe is passed on to you by your mother. For us Bengalis, fish curries evoke our cultural traditions and make us relive our cherished memories!
Along with Bangladesh being the land of rivers, where fish is available easily, it is also a powerhouse of nutrients. Fish is high in protein and nutrients such as Omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and promote heart health. It contains amino acids which are essential for tissue repair and growth, regulating bodily functions, and maintaining a healthy immune system. Fish is packed with
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vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, B12, zinc, iodine, etc. This helps in bone health and helps in the production of red blood cells and neurological health. It is also packed with micro-nutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. This helps to maintain fluid balance in the body and helps in the overall health of the body.
So, now you know why our mothers used to rant about eating fish!
However, capture fisheries are decreasing due to overfishing, pollution, and environmental damage. Thus, the nutritional value that we are supposed to receive is not being met.
But irrespective of all this, our love for the different types of fish dishes will be unconditional!
Hilsa-The Eternal Love
The Hilsa fish has made a name for it worldwide and it draws people from different cultures and traditions to try the fish! The Hilsa fish is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Fish’ and is often cooked during festivals and special occasions.
I was glad to find the Hilsa Pulao recipe on The Wannabe Cook website. It was easy to understand and written simply. The part I liked the most was the ‘Notes’ part in the recipe section. As a beginner, it helps to be aware of such things before one starts cooking. So, just like the instructions, I cleaned the fish in my new Rapala Fat Boy Fillet Board. Let me brag a little bit about my new fish board – I bought it as it was my first time making Hilsa pulao and, well, everything had to be perfect. This board is an easy fish cleaner and the fillet board is the perfect size as you can also clean the larger fish.
Coming back to my dish, thanks to the recipe, my Hilsa pulao turned out to be exactly how my khala cooks back home! The flavorful Hilsa nestles into the soft,
fluffy pulao with the caramelized onions, captivating the dish with its golden-brown hue. This dish holds a special place in my heart as Hilsa pulao meant going to my khala’s house. We would all gather at her place and indulge in her famous dish. The house would be filled with laughter and chit-chat. It surely does bring back a vessel of memories.
Just like the Hilsa pulao, Mustard Hilsa is another famous dish in Bengali cuisine. The vibrant, pungent mustard-based sauce combined with the rich flavors of the Hilsa fish makes it a delectable dish! It truly is a visual feast. If you want to ground the seeds into a paste (like back at home), you can get the Mortar and Pestle set– this is if you want to do it the traditional way. Otherwise, you can always use Spice Islands Mustard. The reviews of this product are 5 stars and as I used it personally, I would definitely recommend it.
Another interesting dish that I found on the website was Shahi Illish Korma! This dish combines the rich flavors of the creamy sauce with Hilsa. It is indeed a royal dish! I will surely try this in my next dawaat.
A Taste of Homecoming
The light fish curry usually cooked with aloo or vegetables with plain rice will always give you a sense of belongingness and take you back to your hometown.
A classic dish is the Rui Fish Curry with Lemon Leaf. Made with love and care, this dish is cooked every other day in a Bengali household. It’s a simple yet tasteful dish to satisfy your soul. The zesty smell of the lemon gives a refreshing fragrance to the dish, while the yellow curry is blended with different spices. Whenever I make this curry, a wave of my childhood memories wash over me. My sister and I used to crawl up on the table and wait for my mom to serve the dish with warm rice. It was a simple dish but created a strong bond between family members, and the dish became the foundation for conversations and laughter.
Fish Fry or Mach Bhaja is a beloved dish by many -starting from kids to older people! A crispy fried fish surely lifts up the mood. The dish is versatile in many ways. It can be served as an appetizer or as a main dish. Interesting, right? As a kid and even now, my go-to meal would be plain rice with butter or ghee and crispy fish fry. Oh, and definitely the fried onions on top – lots of fried onions actually! You see, it is an easy-to-cook, fast dish which you can make after a hectic day and savor.
Tip: A good quality frying pan is essential when making fish fry. A non-stick frying pan that can withstand hot temperatures is a top priority. I use the Amazon Basics 2-Piece Non-Stick one. If you don’t have one yet, you can try this one out.
Chapila Fish Curry is a fish stew and is a favorite in many households. The dish is nutritional as small fish are packed with omega-3, protein, minerals, etc. It is a dish that not only helps you enjoy a tasty home-cooked meal but also has a lot of health benefits! As much as this dish is enjoyed on a daily basis, it is a must-have whenever anyone falls sick in the house. The light, soothing curry always helped us to recover quickly. Perhaps, it was the care with which it was cooked that made us instantly feel better!
It is a soulful dish that must be tried at home if not already.
Reflection of Our Culture
Recipes of different kinds of fish reflect the Bengali culture and tradition that has transcended from one generation to the next.
Along with the various health benefits, dishes made with fish tell us stories of celebration and remind us of our roots. Think about it, the rich Hilsa Korma reminds us of the royal tradition and the vibrant culture and, at the same time, a simple quick fish curry reminds us of the warmth of our homes. So, let’s keep on passing our unconditional love for fish to future generations so that we can keep anchoring to our roots and appreciate our rich cultural heritage.
