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India · Food

Macher Jhol

50 min
290 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo · August 3, 2026

Macher Jhol🇮🇳AI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

1 match

This dish doesn't have a strong Mundo Match yet — but here's the closest ingredient overlap we found across the world's cuisines. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Stew404 recipes from 26 countries

A quintessential Bengali fish curry featuring a light, spicy mustard gravy. It is a soul-warming dish traditionally served with steamed white rice.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Macher Jhol from another cuisine is Asa Alicha (Ethiopia): the two share 33% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Grind 3 tbsp mustard seeds and 2 green chilies into a fine paste with a splash of water.

  • 2

    Marinate 500g rohu or katla fish steaks with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp turmeric for 15 minutes.

  • 3

    Heat 4 tbsp mustard oil in a pan until it smokes, then sear fish pieces for 2 minutes each side.

  • 4

    Remove fish and add 0.5 tsp nigella seeds to the same oil until they crackle.

  • 5

    Whisk the mustard paste with 1 cup water and pour into the pan, stirring constantly.

  • 6

    Add 0.5 tsp turmeric, salt to taste, and 2 split green chilies, simmering for 3 minutes.

  • 7

    Gently slide the fish back into the gravy and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.

  • 8

    Turn off heat, let it rest for 2 minutes to let the mustard oil settle, and serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Macher Jhol?

Macher Jhol is a spicy fish curry originating from Bengal, India. It consists primarily of fish simmered in a pungent mustard oil and mustard seed-based gravy seasoned with turmeric, green chilies, and nigella seeds, and is typically served as a main course with steamed rice.

Can I use vegetable oil instead of mustard oil?

While you can, the pungent kick of mustard oil is essential for the authentic taste of this specific Bengali dish.

How do I prevent the mustard paste from turning bitter?

Do not overheat the mustard paste; once added to the pan, keep the flame moderate and do not fry it for too long.

What type of fish works best?

Use rohu or katla steaks. These freshwater carp are traditional for this dish and hold their shape when seared and then simmered in the gravy.

Can I make this spicy?

Yes, simply increase the number of green chilies when grinding the paste or slit more chilies into the final gravy.

All Mundo matches

Ethiopia
Asa Alicha
Asa Alicha
33% ingredients in common

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