| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 16g | 3g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 3g | 24g | 2.12g |
Why I Love Bangladeshi Spicy Dried Fish Curry
I am home in New Jersey, raised on stories and dishes passed down from my Italian grandparents. But today, I’m thrilled to be showcasing a dish far from the cozy nostalgia of my grandmother’s marinara sauce: Spicy Dried Fish Curry. This vibrant Bangladeshi recipe is a fiery and aromatic concoction rich in flavours, reminiscent of souks and family kitchens in Bangladesh. The heady mix of spices and the bold use of dried fish is a thrill for the taste buds.
Global Flavors, Family Traditions
Even though it’s a deviation from the usual fare of spaghetti and meatballs tradition, what I love about this Spicy Dried Fish Curry recipe is how it reminds me of my family’s table –not in ingredients or technique, but in its emphasis on food as a way of gathering, of sharing culture and love.
This recipe always reminds me of Paul Bocuse, a chef known for his innovative approach to cuisine. He once said that cuisine is when things taste like themselves. In this recipe, every ingredient sings its tune, creating a harmonious symphony that is, quite frankly, unmatched.
Flavour Fusion
It’s similar to the Italian dish baccalà – a traditional salted cod recipe – but the palette of spices and the inclusion of dried fish inundate it with a bold flavour that’s unique and irresistible. With its symphony of spices and hearty fish, this is a curry that can take center stage at any meal. But if you are looking for accompaniments, it pairs beautifully with a side of fluffy basmati rice or a warm naan bread.
Whether it’s a hearty pasta dish inspired by my Italian roots or an exotic curry from around the globe, I love recipes that are full of flavor and have a story to tell. This Spicy Dried Fish Curry Recipe is a narration of tradition, a blend of bold flavours, and most importantly, a testament to the beauty of home cooking.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of dried fish
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh ginger
- 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
- 2 teaspoons of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds
- 2 cups of chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup of chopped green bell pepper
- 2 green chilies, sliced
- 1 cup of chopped cilantro (coriander)
- 2 cups of water
- Salt to taste
- Slices of lemon to serve (optional)
Method
Step One
Firstly, rinse the dried fish thoroughly under running water. Soak it in a bowl of water for about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Sauté until they start to splutter.
Step Three
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent. Now add the minced garlic and chopped fresh ginger to the pan. Continue to sauté until the mixture turns golden brown.
Step Four
Now add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and curry powder to the pan. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes to release the flavor of the spices.
Step Five
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and blend well with the spices. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step Six
Add the soaked and drained dried fish to the pan. Stir well to coat the fish with the spicy mixture. Fry the fish for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavor of the spices.
Step Seven
Add the chopped green pepper, sliced green chilies, and 2 cups of water to the pan. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the curry thickens. This can take around 20-25 minutes.
Step Eight
Finally, add the chopped cilantro and salt to taste. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the curry from the heat.
Step Nine
Serve your Spicy Dried Fish Curry hot, garnished with slices of lemon if you wish. Enjoy this delicious dish with steamed rice or bread of your choice.
