Macha Besara is one of the most favourite and traditional fish dishes in Odisha. It’s prepared with a blend of mustard paste and spices and finally cooked in mustard oil. The unique taste makes it one of its kind; thus, this dish remains in the hearts of people in Odisha. You can love it if you love fish, and this recipe will make it very delicious for you.
Ingredients
Fish (Rohu or any river fish) – 4 pieces
Mustard seeds – 2 tbsp
Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tsp
Green chilies – 2
Curry leaves – 1 sprig
Mustard oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – to taste
Water – 2 cups (or as needed)
Preparation:
Prepare the Mustard Paste:
First of all, take mustard seeds and cumin seeds in a grinder. You can use a little water to help you grind it into a paste-like consistency.
Fry the Fish:
Heat 1 tablespoon of mustard oil in a pan. Fry the fish pieces until they turn golden brown. When fried, remove the fish from the pan and put it aside.
Make the Gravy:
In the same pan add the remaining mustard oil, then curry leaves, ginger-garlic paste, and green chilies. Sauté a minute until fragrant.
Add the Mustard Paste:Add the mustard-cumin paste, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir everything together, cooking for 2-3 minutes on medium heat.
Cook the Fish:Now add water to make the gravy. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat. Carefully add the fried fish pieces back into the pan. Let the fish simmer in the gravy for 10-15 minutes to soak up the flavors.
Serve:When the fish is cooked and the gravy thickens slightly, turn off the heat. Macha Besara is ready to serve! Enjoy it with hot steamed rice.
Why You’ll Love Macha Besara:
The tangy and spicy mustard gravy makes this fish dish absolutely delicious. The combination of mustard oil and mustard paste brings out the authentic flavors of Odisha. It’s not just a tasty dish but also a symbol of Odisha’s rich culinary heritage.
So, next time you want to try something new and flavorful, try making Macha Besara at home. It will become one of your favorite fish recipes!
Enjoy this traditional Odia dish and taste the flavors of vibrant cuisine from Odisha!.
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