| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 260 | 17g | 3.5g | 2g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 1g | 0.5g | 24g | 0.4g |
Why I Love Bangladeshi Pabda Fish in Mustard Sauce
There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that results from the harmonious blend of different cultures. Today, I want to share the beauty of one such recipe – the Bangladeshi Pabda Fish in Mustard Sauce. They say food is like a language, capable of communicating stories, histories, and identities. The Pabda Fish in Mustard Sauce, I believe, does just that.
A Journey of Flavors
Being of Italian-American heritage, I have a natural love for hearty, family-oriented dishes. My days in New Jersey were marked with the comforting, familiar aromas of Nonna’s kitchen. However, in my culinary journey, I’ve learned to appreciate the intricacies of other diverse flavors as well. This led me to discover the culinary world of Bangladesh, and specifically, a humble yet powerfully delicious dish – Pabda Fish in Mustard Sauce.
This recipe is a delightful fusion of the robust, piquant flavors of mustard seeds and the subtlety of Pabda fish. It is reminiscent of a dish that the famous Chef Sanjeev Kapoor might create – simple yet holding depth in its simplicity.
Similar Dishes and Pairings
The Pabda Fish in Mustard Sauce is strikingly similar to the Bengali Shorshe Bata Maach – a fish dish where the primary flavor component is mustard. True to its Bengali roots, this recipe is best enjoyed with a side of fluffy, steamed Basmati rice. The nuanced flavors of the mustard sauce align perfectly with the rice, made even better with a squeeze of a juicy lemon wedge.
Being a grandfather, I always look forward to sharing new dishes with my grandkids – especially those that challenge their flavor palates, encourage them to understand and appreciate different cultures, and bond over the family table. Pabda Fish in Mustard Sauce happens to be a perfect choice for that.
Part of gastro delight is being able to travel through flavors. From my childhood kitchen in New Jersey to a humble home kitchen in Bangladesh – food has been my passport. And the Pabda Fish in Mustard Sauce, my friend, is a voyage that I thoroughly enjoy.
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
First, clean the Pabda fish properly and keep them aside. Meanwhile, soak the mustard seeds and poppy seeds in a little quantity of water for about 15 minutes.
Step Two
After the seeds have been soaked, take a blender and add the soaked mustard seeds, poppy seeds, garlic cloves into it. Blend them into a smooth paste, you may need to add a little water to get the right consistency.
Step Three
Now, take the fish and marinate them with this prepared mustard-poppy seeds paste. Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt on it and rub them nicely onto the fish. Let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Step Four
While the fish is marinating, take a pan and heat mustard oil in it. Once the oil is hot enough add the finely chopped green chillies and fry them till they turn a tad bit brown.
Step Five
Now, gently slide the marinated fish into the pan and fry them on medium flame. Cover the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, make sure to flip the fish gently in between. Add a little water as required.
Step Six
Once the fish is properly cooked from both the sides and the spices are well combined, turn off the flame. Garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander leaves. Your delicious Pabda Fish in Mustard Sauce is ready to be served.
