Maacher Tel Jhol - Fish in Spiced Oil

 

Maacher Tel Jhol

It was getting late one evening and creeping into the last hour before dinner, when I realized the protein part of dinner was missing. We usually have 3 dishes at dinner comprising lentils, vegetables and a protein. Fortunately, Hubby had shopped at Sam's Club earlier in the day and brought home his favorite Tilapia fillets. The only prep required to make this fish was to cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces and slice an onion. It was done in a jiffy, and, without missing a beat, dinner was on the table at our usual time.

Ingredients

Any bone-in or filleted fish, cut in bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp. mustard oil (or vegetable oil)

1 tsp. nigella seeds/kalo jeera 

1 green chili, minced

1 onion, peeled and sliced

1 tsp. Kashmiri mirch/paprika powder

1/2 tsp. turmeric powder

2 tsp. Colman's mustard powder

1 green chili, sliced

1/2 cup simmering water

salt to taste

Directions

1. Mix the 3 spice powders and salt with a little water and set aside.
2. Heat 1/2 cup oil, sputter nigella seeds and minced green chilies.
3. Add onions and stir-fry until translucent.
4. Add prepared spice mixture and bring to a boil.
5. Add fish pieces, along with simmering water.
6. Cover and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring once.
7. Garnish with 1 Tbsp. mustard oil and sliced green chilies.

Serve over steamed white rice.