Share
The monsoon season, with its refreshing rains and lush greenery, is the perfect time to indulge in flavourful meals. Cravings for seafood often increase during this time if it is a staple, especially since fishing is not practiced in the sea during this season. While fish undergo metamorphosis and the fishermen stay away from the rough waters, dried fish becomes a key ingredient in many dishes to satisfy the seafood craving in the rainy season.
Video Credit: Bong Eats/ Youtube
In coastal regions of India, there is a long tradition of using dried fish in their cuisine, especially during the rainy season. Dried fish not only provides a good supply of protein but also offers rich flavours and textures. Here is a guide to seven delectable dried fish dishes you can enjoy during the monsoon season:
Bombil Bhujna
Bombil Bhujna is a classic staple in Maharashtra and a source of pride for Mumbai's oldest community, the Kolis. This dish bursts with fresh flavours, prepared by rehydrating dried fish, frying it, and then cooking it into a spicy curry with coriander and chilli paste. It is popularly served with sambar, steamed rice, and chapatis.
Endu Chepala Vankaya
Endu chepala vankaya is a robust curry from Andhra Pradesh. This robust curry combines dry fish and brinjals, rehydrated and cooked with onions, tomatoes, turmeric powder, and spices, then tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and urad dal.
Image Credit: Freepik
Nakham Bitchi
Nakham bitchi is a traditional soup dish that originated from the Garo community of Meghalaya. This delightful soup is prepared with nakham (dry fish) and vegetables, which add flavour and texture to the dish. Nakham bitchi is a palate cleanser and is consumed before meals to stimulate appetite and digestion.
Also Read: Rava Fish Fry: Konkani Style Fried Fish
Nethili Meen Thokku
Nethili Meen thokku is a tangy and spicy pickle that is specially prepared with anchovies, one of the popular choices from types of dried fish. Nethili Meen Thokku is prepared with few simple ingredients, and to make this delightful dish, the anchovies are firstly soaked, fried, and then sauted with red chillies, tamarind, garlic, and ginger. You can serve it with rice to add aroma and flavour to the dish.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Shukti Maach Bata
A Bengali staple, this dish is made by mashing-soaked dried fish and cooking it with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, mustard oil, and spices into a thick, flavourful paste. Shukti maach bata generates a savoury and pungent flavour when cooked properly.
Sukke Bombil Masala (Maharashtra)
A staple from Maharashtra’s coastal regions, this dish features-soaked dried fish (Bombil or Bombay Duck) marinated with salt, turmeric, chilli powder, and kokum juice, then sautéed with onions, garlic, ginger, green chillies, grated coconut, and spices. This savoury dish can be paired with Bhakri (Maharashtrian flatbread) and steamed rice, which can be both a satisfying and comforting meal option for you during this monsoon.
Image Credit: Unsplash
Loitta Macher Jhuri
A spicy Bengali fish curry with dried fish, soaked and cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a mustard-based gravy, garnished with coriander leaves, and served with rice.
