Macha Besara

Macha Besara is a traditional Odia fish curry that is popular in the eastern state of Odisha, India. It is typically made using Rohu fish which is cooked in a gravy made from mustard paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and other spices. The dish is known for its tangy and spicy flavor, and is often served with steamed rice.

To prepare Macha Besara, first marinate the fish with salt and turmeric powder. Then, in a separate pan, fry chopped onions until they turn translucent. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute. Next, add tomato puree and cook until the mixture thickens. Then, add mustard paste, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, salt, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and add the marinated fish. Let the fish cook for about 10 minutes, or until it is fully cooked. Finally, add tamarind pulp and cook for a few more minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.

Macha Besara recipe step by step

Sure, here is a step-by-step recipe for Macha Besara:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams fish (preferably Rohu, Katla or any other freshwater fish)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste
• 1 tablespoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1/2 cup mustard oil
• Salt to taste
• Water as required

For the Besara paste:

• 1/2 cup mustard seeds
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1-2 dry red chillies
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:

1. Clean and wash the fish and marinate with 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and salt. Keep it aside for 15-20 minutes.
2. In a blender, blend the mustard seeds, garlic cloves, turmeric powder, red chillies and water to make a smooth paste. Keep it aside.
3. Heat mustard oil in a pan and fry the fish pieces till they turn golden brown. Take out the fish pieces and keep them aside.
4. In the same pan, add chopped onion and fry till they turn golden brown. Add ginger and garlic paste and fry for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and fry till they are soft and mushy.
6. Add cumin powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder and salt. Mix well.
7. Add the Besara paste and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
8. Add water as required to make a thick gravy.
9. Add the fried fish pieces and mix well. Cover the pan and let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
10. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot with steamed rice.

Enjoy your delicious Macha Besara!