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Ask anyone in India which state is crazy with fish. The answer will be the same for everybody. Yes, it is West Bengal. The number of fish cuisines is almost uncountable in Bengal. Out of so many fish options, puti is such a fish that holds a special place in Bengali cuisine. Historically, this small freshwater fish has been a staple in many Bengali households and has been passed down through generations. Small Fish lovers prefer puti for its delicate texture and subtle flavour. Puti Maach or Puntius Fish is a popular fish in Bengali kitchens because of its versatility. Many traditional dishes in Bengal come with Puti Maach options.
When prepared with the right ingredients, Puti Maach dishes have irresistible flavours. Each preparation highlights the unique qualities and versatility of this Bengal special fish. Puti Maach can be made into a delicious and flavourful dish for a family meal or a special occasion. If you are visiting West Bengal in the near future, puti is a must try to know the core authentic taste of Bengal. Here are some must-try Puti Maach dishes to savour when visiting anywhere in Bengal.
Puti Maach Dishes To Try While Visiting Bengal
Puti Maach Er Tok
Puti Maach Er Tok is a quintessential summer and monsoon dish in Bengal. This tangy fish curry is made with small Puti Maach and served with steamed white rice. The dish uses tamarind paste or lemon juice for the tartness. Fresh green chillies add heat, while black mustard seeds and finely chopped cilantro enhance the flavour.
If you are trying to cook puti maach er tok, you need to start with the marination of the fish with salt and turmeric. A tamarind water mixture is cooked with mustard seeds and green chillies. The fried fish is then simmered in this tangy gravy. The result is a refreshing and appetising curry, perfect for cosy monsoon days.
Image via Pinterest | Playful Cooking
Puti Maach Er Jhol
Puti Maach Er Jhol is renowned for its flavour and ease of preparation. Shor puti is quite common in everyday Bengali meals. The curry is seasoned with cumin, mustard powders, and green chillies. It also uses mustard oil.
After marinating in a mixture of salt and turmeric, the fish is shallow-fried. Before adding the mustard paste and water, nigella seeds and green chillies are sautéed in mustard oil to make the curry. This gravy is used to cook the fried fish until it's perfectly done. The dish perfectly pairs with rice.
Video Credit: YouTube | Esrat Jahan Kitchen
Puti Macher Chorchori
Puti Macher Chorchori is a dry fish preparation that combines Puti Maach with a number of Indian spices. Known for its health benefits, this dish is rich in calcium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. The fish is cleaned thoroughly, then cooked with garlic paste, mustard paste, turmeric, and red chilli powder.
Mustard oil is used for cooking, which imparts a distinctive flavour. The fish and spices are simmered with a little water until the fish is tender. This dish is best enjoyed with rice, offering a spicy and robust flavour profile.
Video Credit: YouTube | DreamerTrio cooking channel
Puti Macher Jhal
Puti Macher Jhal is a spicy fish curry that is a staple in many Bengali homes. This dish features fried Puti Maach in a spicy onion-tomato gravy with green chillies and coriander. The curry is prepared by frying the fish and then simmering it in a gravy made from onions, tomatoes, and green chillies.
The use of mustard oil and spices like turmeric and red chilli powder gives the dish its signature heat and flavour. Puti Macher Jhal is usually served with hot steamed rice, making it a hearty and fulfilling meal.
Puti Maach Bhaja
Puti Maach Bhaja is a simple yet delicious preparation of fried Puti Maach. The fish is marinated with turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder, and salt, then fried in mustard oil until crispy. This dish is often served as a starter or a side dish.
The crispy texture and spicy coating make it a delightful snack. The frying process enhances the fish's natural flavours, and the mustard oil adds a unique taste. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for those who enjoy crunchy and flavourful fish.
Puti Macher Shorshe Jhal
Puti Macher Shorshe Jhal is a traditional Bengali dish in which fish is cooked in mustard gravy. The mustard paste gives the dish a pungent and rich flavour. The fish is first marinated with salt and turmeric and then fried. The gravy is made with mustard paste, green chillies, and a bit of turmeric.
The fried fish is simmered in this gravy until it absorbs the mustard flavour. This dish is typically served with steamed rice, providing a strong and spicy taste that's highly appealing to mustard lovers.
Puti Macher Paturi
Puti Macher Paturi is a unique dish where the fish is marinated with spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and then steamed or grilled. The marinade usually includes mustard paste, green chillies, turmeric, and salt. The banana leaves impart a distinct aroma and flavour to the fish.
This method of cooking ensures that the fish remains tender and juicy. Puti Macher Paturi is often served during special occasions and festivals, offering a blend of flavours that are both earthy and aromatic.
Video Credit: YouTube | Sanchita's Homely Yum
Bengali cuisine offers a diverse array of Puti Maach dishes that are rich in flavour and tradition. Each preparation brings out the unique qualities of this small fish, making it a versatile and beloved ingredient. Whether you prefer tangy, spicy, or simply fried, there's a Puti Maach dish to suit every palate. When visiting Bengal, these dishes provide a delightful culinary experience that showcases the region's rich culinary heritage.
