Debjanir Rannaghar

  • Debjanir Rannaghar
  • Recipe Videos
  • Recipe Index
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Debjanir Rannaghar
  • Recipe Videos
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Flickr
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Debjanir Rannaghar
    • Recipe Videos
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Flickr
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Curry Recipe » Recipes » Fish Curry Recipe

    Pabda Macher Tel Jhal or Pabda Fish Curry

    Published: Mar 30, 2012 · Modified: Jul 10, 2025 by Debjani · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    ↓ Jump to Recipe
    ↓ Jump to Video

    A tantalizingly delicious Catfish or Pabda Maach curry, lovingly prepared with an aromatic blend of spices and simmered to perfection: it's the Pabda Macher Tel Jhal. Rich and flavorful, this traditional Bengali dish is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.

    %Pabda Macher Tel Jhal Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar
    Jump to:
    • Debjani's note from Debjanir Rannaghar!
    • Tip!
    • Pabda Macher Tel Jhal!
    • Prefer to watch instead of reading the recipe of Pabda Macher Tel Jhal?
    • Ingredients
    • Process
    • Variation
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Here's how I cook Pabda Macher Tel Jhal at Debjanir Rannaghar!
    • Recipe Card
    • Related Recipes
    • Bengali Recipes you can try
    • Let's connect over the Pabda Macher TelJhal recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!
    • Here's the Pabda Maacher Tel Jhal Pin for your Pinterest Board!

    Debjani's note from Debjanir Rannaghar!

    Ah, the sweet taste of Pabda Maach. A delicacy so dear to Bengalis, yet so hard to find in Gurgaon. Little did we know that this delightful fish was right at our doorstep! Mehebub have not had Pabda Maach before our marriage, for it was not something served in his family's home. But after a single bite of Shorshe batar jhal or Pabda Macher Tel Jhal, he was hooked! A dish that brings back childhood memories for me and new experiences for him - we can both agree on the deliciousness of this precious fish!

    %Pabda Macher Tel Jhal

    Tip!

    Pabda is a fish with a flavor that will tantalize even the choosiest of palates. Yet, it is not for the faint of heart - managing its bones can be tricky for those who are not used to consuming this type of fish. If you can master the art of bone-picking, then Pabda is definitely worth trying! It's best saved for Bong gatherings and other occasions when guests are familiar with the preparation and consumption process.

    %Bengali Pabda Macher Tel Jhal

    Pabda Macher Tel Jhal!

    In Tel Jhal we do use both onion paste and mustard paste for the gravy. While cooking you must balance both onion and mustard as both are having a distinct flavor. The Tel Jhal must not taste like Macher Jhal and also not like Korma or kaliya.

    %Pabda Macher Tel Jhal Recipe

    Prefer to watch instead of reading the recipe of Pabda Macher Tel Jhal?

    Ingredients

    This dish is typically prepared with a base of Onion and mustard paste and tomato, which is then combined with a mix of spices and yogurt.

    Process

    The fish is marinated in a mixture of turmeric and salt and then lightly fried before cooking. It is then cooked in onion and tomato-based gravy along with mustard paste and yogurt. The gravy is then simmered until it thickens, and then the fish is added and cooked until it is tender. The result is a spicy, flavorful dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Serve it with steamed white rice or roti for a complete meal.

    Variation

    The Pabda Maach is a versatile fish and can be cooked in various ways. It is most popularly served in a spicy curry, fried in oil, or cooked in a delicious broth. Regardless of the method, the Pabda Maach is sure to make a delicious and memorable meal.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Pabda Mach?

    Pabda Maach, also known as Butterfish, is an incredibly popular freshwater fish found throughout South Asia, particularly India and Bangladesh. This fish is a favorite amongst locals due to its delicate and sweet flavor. It is a small fish. The most distinctive feature of the Pabda Maach is its single, long bone.

    What is Pabda Macher Tel Jhal?

    A traditional fish curry prepared with Catfish or Pabda Maach, known as Pabda Mach-er Tel Jhal, is a delicious dish originating from the eastern part of India.

    Here's how I cook Pabda Macher Tel Jhal at Debjanir Rannaghar!

    Recipe Card

    %Pabda Macher Tel Jhal Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar
    Print Pin

    Pabda Macher Tel Jhal or Pabda Fish Curry

    A tantalizingly delicious Catfish or Pabda Maach curry, lovingly prepared with an aromatic blend of spices and simmered to perfection: it's the Pabda Mach-er Tel Jhal. Rich and flavorful, this traditional Bengali dish is sure to delight even the most discerning palates.

    Course Fish
    Cuisine Bengali
    Keyword bengali pabda fish curry recipe, Debjanir Rannaghar, Pabda mach recipe, Pabda Macher Tel jhal
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 People
    Calories 255kcal
    Author Debjani Chatterjee Alam
    Cost Rs 300

    Ingredients

    • 6 Pabda Mach/ Catfish
    • 4 Tbsp. Onion Paste
    • 2 Tsp. Black Mustard Seed for paste
    • 3 Tbsp. Tomato paste
    • 1 Tbsp. Garlic Paste
    • 1 Tbsp. Ginger Paste
    • 6 Green Chilies
    • 3 Tbsp. Hung Curd
    • 1 Tsp. Nigella Seed/ Kalojire / Kalonji
    • 1 Tsp. Salt or to taste
    • 1 Tsp. Turmeric powder
    • 1 Tsp. Red Chili Powder
    • 1 Tsp. Sugar
    • 4 Tbsp. Mustard Oil
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    • First, make a mustard paste. You can use a grinder or a "Silnora/Shilbatta." Add 2 green chilies and 1 teaspoon of salt to the mustard as you grind it into a paste, then set it aside.
    • Next, prepare the fish. If the fish are large, cut them in half. If they are small, you can use them whole. Make sure the fish are cleaned well. Rub the fish pieces with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon of red chili powder, and ½ tablespoon of mustard oil. Let them sit for 10 minutes.
    • Heat some oil in a pan and fry the fish pieces.
    • In a deep pan (a Karai is ideal), heat 5 tablespoons of mustard oil until the oil's color changes. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon each of turmeric powder, salt, and red chili powder.
    • Add nigella seeds (Kalojire/Kalonji) to the oil to temper it. Then, add the onion paste and fry until the onion changes color. Add tomato paste, ginger, and garlic paste. Cook over medium heat until the oil separates from the mixture.
    • Now, add the mustard paste, curd, turmeric powder, slit green chilies, and red chili powder. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes.
    • Finally, add water and bring the mixture to a boil.
    • Gently pour the mixture in and let it cook on low heat for at least 5 minutes, making sure to cover the pan with a lid.
    • Your Pabda Macher Tel Jhal is now ready! Serve it with warm, steamed rice.

    Video

    Notes

    • I've used whole fish, however, cut it into halves if the fishes are of large size.
    • You must soak mustard seed in lukewarm water before making the paste.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 125g | Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.1g | Protein: 25.5g | Fat: 14.6g | Saturated Fat: 2.5g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 460mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 3.8g

    Related Recipes

    • %aar macher kalia recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Aar Macher Kalia
    • %bengali chitol macher muitha recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Chitol Macher Muitha
    • %Aam Shol recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Aam Shol aka Shol Macher Tawk
    • %Magur Macher Rosha Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar with video
      Magur Macher Rosha

    Bengali Recipes you can try

    • Bengali Rui Macher Jhol Jhinge, Aloo diye
    • Bori Aloor Jhal (also known as Bengali Bori'r Jhal)
    • Pepe Chingri Ghonto | Bengali Raw Papaya Mishmash with Small Prawns (or Shrimp)
    • Mourola Maacher Tel Chorchori Kacha Aam Diye
    • Bhangachora Shukto (also known as Bhangachora Torkari)
    • Kancha Aamer Chutney
    • Chaler Payesh (also known as Bengali Rice Kheer)

    Let's connect over the Pabda Macher TelJhal recipe from Debjanir Rannaghar!

    Do let me know how it came out. Also, I would love to see a picture of the same which you can share here on dolonchttrj@gmail.com. Meanwhile, on Instagram, you can use my hashtag #debjanirrannaghar and in addition, you can tag me at @foodofdebjani.

    Here's the Pabda Maacher Tel Jhal Pin for your Pinterest Board!

    %Pabda Macher Tel Jhal Recipe Pinterest Pin

    Previous
    Next

    About Debjani Chatterjee Alam

    I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.

    Learn more about me →

    More Fish Curry Recipe

    • %Authentic Bengali fish curry Shol mulo recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Shol Mulo | Bengali Shol Fish Curry With Radish | Snakehead Murrel Curry
    • %bhetki macher malaicurry recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Bhetki Maacher Malaikari | Bhetki Malaicurry
    • %bengali bhapa bhetki mach recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Bhetki Mach Bhapa | Bengali Bhapa Bhetki Recipe with Video | Steamed Indian Barramundi with Coconut, Mustard Paste and Yogurt
    • %shorshe posto mach recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Shorshe Posto Mach | Rui Maach Shorshe Posto Bata Diye

    About Debjani

    I'm a Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist with a keen interest in ESG, but my passion lies in food: writing about it, creating recipes, and capturing its beauty through photography! Debjanir Rannaghat began in 2009 as a space for me to share my food adventures, my experiences as a mom, and the dishes I adore cooking and eating, both at home and when exploring new places. My aim is to create recipes that are easy to understand and follow, so anyone, whether they love to cook or simply need to, can succeed. I apply the same straightforward approach to my reviews and stories. I also have a passion for food photography and strive to showcase delicious meals in a beautiful, practical, and accessible manner. Feel free to contact me at dolonchttrj@gmail.com.

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Meet Debjani

    About Debjani Chatterjee Alam

    I am Debjani Chatterjee Alam. A CSR specialist by profession and a food writer, food blogger, and food photographer as well. I live in Kolkata along with my Husband Mehebub who is an architect by profession, my daughter Pasta, and also my dog daughters Coffee and Luchi.

    Learn more about me →

    Popular Posts

    • %jhinge aloo posto recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Bengali Jhinge Posto | Jhinge Aloo Posto Recipe
    • %Gota Posto Diye Aloo Bhaja
      Gota Posto Diye Aloo Bhaja
    • %easy air fryer baby bhetki fish fry recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Air Fryer Whole Fish Fry | Air-fried Baby Bhetki Fish Fry
    • %Mutton Pulao in Pressure Cooker Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar
      Mutton Pulao in a Pressure Cooker | Easy Mutton Pulav Recipe

    Video Recipe of the Month

    https://youtu.be/vFO98QEo9Ek?si=tfzo78YiJMeplyWL

    Debjani's first book! Pastakahini

    Google
    Custom Search

    Trending Recipes

    • %Pabda Macher Tel Jhal Recipe Debjanir Rannaghar
      Pabda Macher Tel Jhal or Pabda Fish Curry
    • %Bengali Dhokar Dalna recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Dhokar Dalna
    • %bengali paneer kosha recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Bengali Paneer Kosha Recipe
    • %papor er dalna recipe debjanir rannaghar
      Papor er Dalna | Bengali Papad Curry

    Popular Videos

    https://youtu.be/Ji2irH1MDF4?si=98U7J42zFR7ebG8D
    https://youtu.be/kxC82DBjBoQ?si=vHjYugPEAIRbzj4Y
    https://youtu.be/p0pz7Rav_Bk?si=B2-yrWZme7Zh-zfN
    https://youtu.be/EV5gSf1xBuc?si=L_uk2y_6LQCJY_e-

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy

    Follow us

      Contact

      • Contact

      Copyright © Debjanir Rannaghar 2025