Pohala machha tarkari(small fish fry)-in tamarind gravy..

Generally east indian people (specially bengali & odia) are very fond of fish.normally we made "hilsa","rohu" & "catla" ("ilisi","rohi" & "bhakura" in local language respectively) in our home.Apart from this there are very small size fishes are available,which are very tasty,"Pohala" is one of them.Try this fish with tamarind juice,it gives u a very chatpata/different taste.

INGREDIENTS:

• Pohala machha(small fish)-500 gm.

• Mixed masala(1-onion,8-garlic cloves,1 piece of ginger,some cumin seeds,3-red chili).-5 tsp.

• Red chili powder-1 tsp.

• Tamarind juice-4 tsp.

• Lemon juice-1 tsp.

• Phutana(cumin seed+mustard seed+fenugreek seed+aniseed)-1/2 tsp.

• Turmeric powder-1 tsp.

• Mustard oil-5 tsp for fry+3 tsp for gravy.

• Salt to taste.

PREPARATION:

• Clean well the fish pieces & marinate with salt,lemon juice & turmeric powder,keep aside 10-12 min.
• Heat oil in a pan,add marinated fish pieces as many as fit comfortably in pan.fry over high heat till the fish pieces turns golden brown.Remove fish from oil & keep aside.
• Add 3 tsp mustard oil in the same pan again,add phutana.When it start spluttering ,add mixed masala,red chili powder,turmeric powder,salt,stir until the raw smell of mixed masala go.
• Add 1 cup of water,let the gravy boil for 5-10 min.
• Add fried fish & tamarind juice in this gravy,boiled it for 3 min.
• "pohala machha tarkari" is ready to serve.