Knacha aam o teel bata diye katla maachh (Carp curry cooked with white sesame paste and raw mangoes)

This is essentially a summer time recipe. The recipe is neither too spicy nor oily; making it ideal for the months of scorching heat. My mother brought from her garden a basket full of raw mangoes, and I was on a lookout for recipes that shall help me to use these up. This is what Nayana Afroz, a celebrated Home cook from Bangladesh, came up with when I was frantically looking for recipes.

Ingredients:

  • Carp — 4 pieces
  • Raw mangoes — 8 slim slices
  • Turmeric
  • Salt
  • Green chillies
  • Cumin powder
  • Sugar
  • Onion paste
  • Garlic paste
  • White sesame seeds (about a teaspoon)

Preparation:

  • Dry roast the white sesame seeds and make a paste.
  • Steam the mango slices and discard the water.
  • Keep aside the drained steamed mango slices.
  • Smear fish with salt and turmeric and fry in heated mustard oil.
  • Keep aside.
  • Now in the oil cook the onion and garlic paste and then the turmeric, cumin and green chillies.
  • Add a little salt.
  • When the spices are cooked well and the oil separates, add the sliced mangoes and fried fish, along with a little warm water for the gravy, and allow it to cook for a while.
  • When cooked well, add a little sugar to balance taste.
  • Now stir in the sesame paste.
  • Add some green chillies.
  • Turn off heat and cover pan to allow some standing time.
  • Serve with steamed rice.