Aloo Fulkopi diye Macher Jhol

Aloo Fulkopi diye Macher Jhol is a delightful winter dish hailing from Bengal. This traditional fish curry features generous portions of Rohu or Katla carp, accompanied by large chunks of potatoes and cauliflower.

Debjani's Note

I understand that some individuals may question my sanity as I choose to write about "Macher Jhol" or specifically Aloo Fulkopi diye Macher Jhol today. Rest assured, my Valentine's Day does not revolve around roses, candlelit dinners, or gifts. It's not that I have any objections to the traditional way of celebrating this occasion, nor do I have any issues with dedicating a single day (or perhaps a week, considering kiss day, hug day, teddy day, etc.) to love. However, as a typical Bengali, I have witnessed the most heartfelt expression of love, and it does not involve roses.

Does the inclusion of Macher Jhol, an essential component of Bengali cuisine, symbolize a deep sense of dedication and love?

As a typical Bengali child, I have witnessed my mother preparing a simple Bengali meal and serving it to my father without any verbal appreciation from him. However, their love and understanding were always evident in their eye contact and subtle gestures. My father never presented a bouquet of roses or took my mother out for a candlelit dinner, but their affection and unconditional love were always present, and continue to be. Therefore, I don't feel the need for a heart-shaped cake to express myself on Valentine's Day. Instead, I believe I can express my love better through a traditional Bengali dish called Aloo Fulkopi diye Macher Jhol, served with steaming hot rice, a meal we affectionately call "groom Bhat Maacher Jhol". This dish represents the beautiful word: Love.

Growing up in a joint family has its perks, one of which is witnessing the various relationships that exist within it. From the bond between my uncle and aunt, to my parents, to my grandparents, and even the relationships between my older sister-in-law and my brother, all of them have exemplified and continue to embody the presence of unconditional love and affection.

Living in households with extended family members was a delightful experience for me. Witnessing the constant interactions between relatives undoubtedly shaped my perception of love, leading me to view it in a distinct manner.

Moi, Mehehub and our Bhat and Aloo Fulkopi diye Macher Jhol bhalobasha!

When it comes to my less romantic other half, he embodies a complete lack of "Rose" knowledge. That's probably why I've never received a bouquet of roses from him (although he does excel in caring for orchids :p . Perhaps it's also due to his upbringing, as I've observed a similar lack of public display of affection from my in-laws. For me, love means having my favorite hot rice dish with fish curry on a cold afternoon, alongside my perpetually annoying partner and our never-ending conversations at the lunch table, followed by a leisurely nap with my little one. Unfortunately, we can't exactly indulge in that on Valentine's Day, as work is something we can't avoid for the sake of the holiday! Can we?
So, for us, every little moment spent together is a moment of love. I actually took pictures of a traditional Bengali fish curry with potatoes and cauliflower a few days ago, during a lazy afternoon, and decided to write about it on this so-called day of love.

Aloo Fulkopi diye Macher Jhol, the Recipe!

Allow me to provide a brief explanation of the dish, Aloo Fulkopi diye Macher Jhol. This is a recipe that almost every Bengali is familiar with. It is our go-to choice when we crave a dish that offers both comfort and love. However, I understand that some of my readers may not be familiar with Bengali cuisine, so I thought it would be helpful to share the recipe. Whether you are a newlywed couple, a group of bachelors, or simply someone looking to enjoy a day with a delicious Bengali fish curry with potatoes and cauliflower, this recipe will surely satisfy your craving.

Since this is a recipe for Valentine's Day, I will make sure to provide a quick and easy version that won't take up too much of your time. You'll have plenty of time for everything else, apart from cooking, of course! In fact, why not make it a joint cooking venture? Trust me, it's a lot of fun!

Here's how I make Aloo Fulkopi diye Macher Jhol at Debjanir Rannaghar!

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Aloo Fulkopi Diye Macher Jhol

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• Author: Debjani Chatterjee Alam
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Yield: 3 People 1x

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Description

Aloo Fulkopi diye Macher Jhol, a delightful winter treat, is a classic Bengali fish curry prepared with generous portions of Rohu or Katla carp, potatoes, and cauliflower.

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Ingredients

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• 6 Fish Chunks (I have used Katla Fish, 100 g each)
• 3 Potato
• 1 Cauliflower (Medium)
• 2 Onion
• 3-4 Green Chili
• 1 Tsp. Ginger Paste
• 2 Tsp. Garlic Paste
• 3 Tbsp. Tomato Puree
• ½ Tsp. Cumin Seed
• 2 Green Cardamom
• 1 Tsp. Cumin Powder
• 1 Tsp. Coriander Powder
• 1 Tsp. Bengali Garam Masala Powder
• 1 Tbsp. Turmeric Powder
• 1 Tsp. Chili Powder
• 1 Tbsp. Sugar
• 2 Tsp. Salt or to taste.
• 4 Tbsp. Mustard Oil

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly rinse the fish chunks, preferably using running water, and then season with Salt and Turmeric Powder.
2. Peel and quarter the potatoes, and marinate the chunks with Salt and Turmeric Powder as well.
3. Prepare the cauliflower by cutting it into medium-sized florets and applying salt and Turmeric Powder.
4. Slice the onion into thin pieces.
5. Heat up the wok and add Mustard Oil.
6. Fry the fish chunks on medium heat until they turn a golden brown color.
7. Utilize the remaining oil to fry the potato chunks, cooking them until they become golden and are about ⅔ cooked.
8. Fry the cauliflower florets until they also turn a golden brown shade.
9. There should be approximately 1 tablespoon of oil left in the wok, which should be tempered with Whole Cumin Seed and Green Cardamom.
10. Combine the sliced onion and green chili in the pan, cooking until the onion becomes translucent in texture.
11. Introduce the tomato puree into the mix, cooking until the strong scent of raw tomato dissipates.
12. Next, incorporate the ginger and garlic paste, cooking until the mixture begins to release oil.
13. After giving it a good stir and adding a small amount of water, incorporate the cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, chili powder, sugar, and salt.
14. Cook for five minutes, stirring continuously.
15. Periodically add a small amount of water.
16. Pour in three cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
17. Add the fried potatoes and cover the pan with a lid, cooking on low heat for 7-8 minutes.
18. Continue cooking until the potatoes have softened.
19. Introduce the fried fish chunks and fried cauliflower, cooking for an additional five minutes on low heat.
20. Finish the dish with Bengali Garam Masala and serve alongside steaming hot rice.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Category: Fish, Side Dish
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Bengali

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Fish Recipes from Debjanir Rannaghar!

• Piajkoli ar Aloo diye Tangra Macher Jhol. (also known as Bengali Light fish curry prepared with Tyangra Maach, Onion Stalks and Potato)
• Barishali Ilish (also known as Ilish Barishali)
• Mawa Ghater Ilish Macher Lejar Bhorta (Also known as Ilish Macher Bhorta)
• Kasundi Ilish (also known as Hilsa cooked with Bengali Mustard Sauce Kasundi)
• Doi Maach (Also known as Fish in Curd or Fish in Yogurt Curry)
• Doodh Maach (Also known as Bengali Fish Curry cooked with Milk aka Dudh Mach)
• Charapona Macher Kabiraji Jhol (Also known as Charapona Macher Jhol)
• Lau Patay Ilish Paturi (also known as Lau Patay Ilish Bhapa)
• Macher Teler Chorchori (Also known as Fish Fat Mishmash with Potatoes and Eggplant)
• Bhetki Macher Dum (Also known as Bengali Bhetki Mach Curry)
• Ilish Macher Tok (Also known as Ilish Macher Tawk)
• Biye Barir Macher Kalia (Alson known as Katla Macher Kaliya)

Have you tried the Phulkopi ar Aloo diye Bhetki Macher Jhol 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.

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