Macha Munda Ghanta – Odisha’s Hearty Fish Head Curry with Dal & Vegetables

🐟 When the Head of the Fish Becomes the Heart of the Dish

In many Odia homes, the head of the fish (macha munda) is never wasted — it’s revered, cooked with care, and served with pride.

Macha Munda Ghanta is not just a dish, it’s a celebration — of resourcefulness, tradition, and flavor. Made with chana dal, seasonal vegetables, and fried fish head, this curry is mildly spiced, mustard-oil rich, and beautifully balanced.

If you love bold Odia flavors, don’t miss my Poi Chingri Curry or Bagda Fry.

🛒 What You’ll Need (Serves 3–4):

1 large fish head (rohu or katla), cleaned and cut into halves

½ cup chana dal, soaked for 1 hour

2 cups mixed vegetables (potato, raw banana, pumpkin, brinjal)

1 small onion, sliced

1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

1–2 green chilies

1 tsp panch phoron or mustard + cumin seeds

1–2 dry red chilies

½ tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp red chili powder

Salt to taste

3–4 tbsp mustard oil

Fresh coriander for garnish




🍛 How to Make It – Bold, Nutritious & Traditional

1. Fry the Fish Head

Marinate the fish head with salt and turmeric. Heat mustard oil until smoking, then fry the head until crispy and browned. Break into large chunks. Set aside.

2. Cook Dal & Veggies

Boil soaked chana dal and chopped vegetables with a pinch of turmeric and salt until just tender. Don’t overcook.

3. Prepare the Masala Base

In a kadai, heat 1–2 tbsp mustard oil. Add panch phoron, red chilies. Add sliced onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until golden.

4. Combine Everything

Add boiled dal-vegetable mix to the masala. Add red chili powder and a little water. Stir well.

Add the fried fish head chunks gently. Simmer uncovered for 5–7 mins. Let the flavors come together without breaking the fish head too much.

5. Finish & Serve

Garnish with coriander. Serve hot with steamed rice, lemon wedge, and raw onion if you like it rustic.



❤️ Why Macha Munda Ghanta Is an Heirloom Favorite

Makes use of the whole fish – no waste, all flavor

Nutritious and hearty

Rich with mustard oil, dal, and vegetable goodness

Because every Odia kitchen has a story behind this dish