In our country, there are so many types of fish varieties, Pabda or Butterfish is considered as one of the most important varieties in India, Asian countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
It is widely consumed in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal. This fish has a unique taste thus there are so many types of recipes out there.
You can check that it is a brilliant appetizer and great for curries. You can cook the fish in various ways, it can be fried, boiled and even grilled. The after effect is highly irresistible.
Bangladesh and West Bengal are surrounded by many rivers. Thus, these places have great sources of different kinds of fishes. Thus, fish curry is much in these areas.
Our ancestors have left out some of the best examples of fish curries which have a wonderful, irresistible taste of their own.
Uses of Pabda Fish in Bengali & Indian Cooking
Chitrita Banerji in her book said that in Bengali mythology fish is considered as a symbol of abundance, prosperity and fertility especially in our ceremonial and ritual life.
Some of the Bengali goddesses bless fish as it is considered as holy and auspicious. Bengali marriages remain incomplete without fish.
Starting from the newborn and then toddler and adolescent, fish becomes a part of their meal. In the fertile land of Bengali thus it says “mache bhate bangali”.
Like many other sweet water fish, Pabda or Pabo catfish in English having a sweet taste and delicate body is celebrated with “parshe, vetki & ilish”.
You do not freeze the Pabda fish otherwise the texture and the taste will diminish.
If you want to get the right taste of this delicate fish then choose the big one. You will be devoured by the taste and softness of this fish.
Fish curry with Nigella – no onion. No garlic recipe/ Pabda macher jhol kalojeere ar bodi diye:
Everyone knows that the Bengali veg dishes do not have any onion or garlic but there are some non-veg dishes too which do not contain any onion or garlic – there are many fish dishes which simply do not need any sort of garlic, tomatoes or onion.
A true Bengali always comes up with various ways to cook fish recipes. Pabda Macher Jhol with just turmeric and Kalonji is just awesome.
Only lentil Badi is used to make it much tastier.
This is one of the popular fish recipes out there. Pabda Macher jhol is one of the easiest recipes in the world. It is a perfect blend of tomatoes, potatoes, ginger and chilis with a little bit of cumin, coriander and turmeric.
To create an amazing Macher Jhol Bhaat, one should have this recipe at lunch. You can have loads of other recipes like Pabda Shorshe, Pabda Posto, Pabda Macher Aloo-Bori Diye Jhol, Pabda Macher Jhal and even pabda macher Bhuna.
Pabda Fish in Mustard and Tomato Gravy:
Take the Pabda fish, marinate the fish perfectly with salt and turmeric.
Then fry the fish in the oil and keep it aside. In that same oil you add red onion sliced, onion paste, cumin, coriander and turmeric, chili and tomatoes. make a runny gravy and add the mustard into it.
Then it becomes thick and adds the fish. Bring it to boil and then garnish with fresh coriander.
Pabda Macher Tel Jhaal:
This is a very spicy and superb recipe of Pabda fish. For this you need to Then fry the fishes in the oil and keep it aside.
In that same oil you add red onion sliced, onion paste, cumin, coriander and turmeric, chili and tomatoes.
Keep the gravy less and add silted green chilies garnish with fresh coriander.
What is the Best Way to Cook Pabda Fish?
For me the best way to cook Pabda fish is Macher Patla Jhol. You just have to fry the fishes and use Kala Jeera for tempering.
You need to use cumin, coriander and turmeric & chili. Make a runny gravy and then add fresh coriander for garnishing.
Like many other dishes this is one such good fish recipe that is being celebrated every time.
How Can You Tell It is a Pabda Fish?
Pabda or Butterfish is actually found in the fresh waters of India and Bangladesh.
It is also found in the south Asian countries but the popularity is less there.
This fish is located in paddy fields, streams and ponds. This fish has a flat body of 12cm to 13cm. The chest has silver scales.
How to Make Pabda Fish Taste Good?
First you need to cut and clean the Pabda fish very nicely.
After that marinate the fish with salt and turmeric which is very necessary. Always use mustard oil for cooking and fry the fish moderately.
Questions & Answers:
How Long Does Pabda Fish Take to Cook?
Cooking Pabda fish is very easy and it takes only around 15 to 25 mins.
How Do You Know When Pabda Fish is Cooked?
Pabda Fish colour changes and the skin gets peeled out.
What is Pabda Fish Called in English?
Pabda Fish is known as Indian Catfish in English.
Is Pabda Fish Tasty?
Definitely, Pabda fish is tasty, it has a succulent taste of its own.
