Village Recipes
Rui posto Recipes(fish)
Rohu Posto is a classic Bengali fish curry where Rohu fish is cooked in a rich and creamy poppy seed (posto) paste. This dish is known for its mild, nutty flavor and a distinct creaminess. Here is a general recipe, with some variations noted, as different versions may include ingredients like onion, tomato, or mustard paste.
Ingredients:
* Rohu Fish (Rui Maach): 4-6 pieces
* White Poppy Seeds (Posto): 2-3 tablespoons
* Green Chilies: 3-5 (adjust to your spice preference)
* Mustard Oil: 4-5 tablespoons
* Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon + a pinch for marinating
* Nigella Seeds (Kalonji): 1/4 teaspoon (for tempering)
* Salt: to taste
Optional Ingredients (for variations):
* Onion: 1 medium, finely sliced
* Tomato: 1 medium, chopped or pureed
* Ginger and Garlic Paste: 1/2 teaspoon each
* Red Chili Powder: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon
* Yellow Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon (to be ground with the poppy seeds)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Fish:
* Wash the Rohu fish pieces thoroughly.
* Marinate the fish with a pinch of turmeric powder and salt. Set aside for about 15 minutes.
2. Make the Posto Paste:
* Soak the poppy seeds in a little warm water for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps in grinding them to a smooth paste.
* Drain the water and transfer the soaked poppy seeds to a grinder. Add 2-3 green chilies (and yellow mustard seeds, if using).
* Add a little water and grind to a smooth, fine paste. Set aside.
3. Fry the Fish:
* Heat 3-4 tablespoons of mustard oil in a pan or kadai until it begins to smoke slightly. This removes the pungent raw smell.
* Carefully place the marinated fish pieces in the hot oil. Fry them on both sides until they are lightly golden brown. Be careful as the oil may splatter.
* Remove the fried fish and set them aside on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess oil.
4. Prepare the Curry:
* In the same oil (add more if needed), temper with nigella seeds. Once they splutter, add the optional sliced onions and fry until they are soft and translucent.
* Add the optional chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and mushy. If using ginger-garlic paste, add it at this stage and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
* Lower the heat and add the remaining turmeric powder (and red chili powder, if using). Cook for a few seconds.
* Add the prepared poppy seed paste. Fry the paste on a low to medium flame for about 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Cook until the raw smell of the posto paste is gone and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
* Add about 1 to 1.5 cups of warm water to create the gravy. Season with salt.
* Bring the gravy to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer and Finish:
* Once the gravy is boiling, gently add the fried fish pieces.
* Cover and let the curry simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing the fish to absorb the flavors.
* For an authentic Bengali touch, you can add 1-2 slit green chilies and a drizzle of raw mustard oil just before turning off the heat.
* Remove from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestion:
Rohu Posto is best served hot with plain steamed rice.

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