The Great Bong Doi Maachh (Rohu Fish in Yogurt Curry)

Hubby reached Maachher Bajaar (fish market) late...till then all the good Ilish (Hilsa) disappeared from the market!! The poor lad returns home, his hands empty, face grumpy and soul sinking :( :(...So I made some spicy Doi Maachh to lift up his spirits :P :P

Ingredients:

1. Rohu fish – 8 to 10 pieces
2. Onion- 1 medium sized chopped and four medium sized made into a paste.
3. Ginger – 1 inch made into a paste
4. Curd – ½ cup
5. Turmeric powder to marinate fish
6. Red chili powder
7. Cinnamon – 1 inch stick
8. Cardamom – 4 to 5
9. Cloves – 4 to 5
10. Black pepper corns – 5 to 6
11. Bay Leaves – 2
12. Dried red chilies - 2
13. Salt to taste
14. Sugar to taste
15. Oil
16. Ghee
17. Green chilies
18. Raisins optional

Method:

1. Marinate the fish pieces with turmeric powder and salt.
2. Heat oil in a pan and fry the marinated fish. Drain oil and keep aside.
3. Crush the whole spices (ingredients 7 to 10) in a coarse form. Add this, dry red chilies and the bay leaves to the heated oil and sauté till the spices crackle and the aroma comes out.
4. Now add chopped onion and sauté till it becomes transparent.
5. Now add the onion- ginger paste and keep stirring till the oil separates.
6. Meanwhile mix curd, red chili powder, salt and sugar with a little water and blend well to form a smooth batter.
7. Add the batter to the sautéed spices and mix well. Add more water as per your gravy needs.
8.  Now bring the whole thing to boil.
9.  Once boiling starts, add the fried fish pieces and stir a little keeping in mind not to break the fish pieces.
10. Let the water dry down a little so that a moderately thick gravy remains.
11. Add a little ghee and raisins and stir.
12. Garnish with slitted green chilies and serve hot with steaming hot rice.