A Chapila is a tiny freshwater fish that is well-known for its amazing flavor. This fish is available widely in Bangladeshi rivers and streams. You will find them in haors, baors, reservoirs, ponds, and floodplains too.
I have some great childhood memories regarding this Chapila macher recipe. I’ve been enjoying this delicacy all my life. My mom has always been my favorite cook, and Chapila fish curry is just another recipe that she can cook so well.
We always devoured the Chapila fish curry made by my mom with great joy. Fish stew from this dish is just mouthwatering and when it is served with steaming hot rice, the combination is just perfect! Only a Bengali can appreciate the indulgence of this combination.
Chapila macher jhol also known as Bengali fish curry is a delicate and soothing Bengali dish. It is a true Bengali delicacy and one of the Chapila fish recipes that are most commonly made in practically every Bengali home. In this dish, potato pieces, green chilies, and fresh Chapila fish slices are simmered in a pleasantly spicy tomato sauce.
Who can ever forget the flavor of Chapila prepared in a simple broth with only turmeric, red chili peppers, salt, and a few onions? Cooks all around Bengal have seasoned the Ilish curry over the ages, giving it a wide range of variants. Chapila is also called the baby brother of the Hilsa fish. By only adding potatoes, pointed gourds, green bananas, or giant cucumbers, one may easily thicken the gravy to their preferred consistency. You can use any veggies you want but in this recipe, I used tomatoes, aubergine, and potatoes. Several people decrease the gravy using mustard oil, green chilies, and poppy seed paste. No matter what other ingredients are utilized, fresh river fish is the fundamental component of the recipe.
One of the most well-known meals and a crucial component of Bengali cuisine is Chapila macher jhol or Chapila fish curry. If you’re a fan of Bengali food, you must not miss this mouthwatering fish recipe. Macher Jhol is a spicy fish stew that tastes best when paired with hot, steaming rice. It is made with a few spices, fish, and veggies like potato and eggplant. This meal is enjoyed by the whole family and is a hit with both kids and adults. Though Chapila fish consists of a lot of bones itself, the taste is worth the struggle! This meal offers a variety of flavors as well as several health advantages.
This recipe, a nutritious combination of Chapila fish, potatoes, aubergine, and tomatoes, is packed with protein, omega 3, minerals, fibers, and minerals that lower the risk of cancer and anemia while also enhancing levels of cholesterol and heart health. Overall, this is a recipe that not only satisfies your taste bud but also offers you extensive health benefits.
You can make this alluring meal for your family and friends to enjoy at festival celebrations, and other get-togethers, and watch them become lifelong fans. Also, on a lazy rainy day, this recipe would seem like the perfect thing to eat! To enjoy this flavorful treat with your loved ones, follow the instructions in this step-by-step recipe.
Ingredients
- 250 grams chapila fish
- 1 pc (medium size) aubergine
- 2 pc (medium size) potato
- 1 pc (medium size) tomato
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tbsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp red chili powder
- 1/3 cup mustard oil
- salt to taste
- 3/4 pc green chili
- coriander leaves
Instructions
- Clean the vegetables properly and cut them into medium size.
- Cut the Chapila fish and clean them properly. (2/3 times)
- Take a bowl and add the Chapila fish, potato, aubergine, nicely chopped onion, mustard oil, salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Mix them properly.
- Heat a pan and add the mixture of vegetables, fish, oil, and spices to it.
- Keep the flame medium and cover the pan with a lid. Cook it for around 20 to 25 minutes.
- Add green chili and coriander leaves, and cook for around 5 minutes.
- Serve the dish with steamy white rice.