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Bengali-Style Fish in Yogurt Curry

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Bengali-Style Fish in Yogurt CurryVikas Khanna

Bengali Dahi Maach

Tender pieces of tilapia are marinated with caraway seeds, turmeric, and cayenne pepper and then pan-fried until crisp and golden brown. The dish is finished with a yogurt curry enhanced by the spicy flavor of mustard seeds. The result is a great mixture of flavors and textures, and a simple way to prepare versatile tilapia.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 6

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds
1 pound tilapia fillets, cut into 1- to 2-inch pieces
1 cup plain, lowfat yogurt
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
5 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon black mustard seeds
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
Salt
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    1. Mix together the turmeric, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and caraway seeds. Add the tilapia pieces and toss to coat. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

    Step 2

    2. In a blender, combine the yogurt and flour and set aside. Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mustard seeds and cook, stirring, until sputtering and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and curry powder and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the cream and the yogurt mixture and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the sauce is thick, about 5 minutes.

    Step 3

    3. In a nonstick pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Gently fry the seasoned fish until crisp on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Add the yogurt mixture to the fried fish and simmer until fish is cooked through, about 5 minutes.

    Step 4

    4. Season with salt and serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

From Flavors First: An Indian Chef's Culinary Journey by Vikas Khanna. Recipes copyright © 2011 by Vikas Khanna; photography © 2011 Vikas Khanna, Andrew Blackmore-Dobbyn, and Ronnie Bhardwaj. Published by Lake Isle Press.
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