There’s something magical about Indian fish curries — bold spices, mustard oil, coastal heat, and regional pride. From the riverbanks of Odisha to the spice-laden coastlines of Maharashtra and Bengal, each dish tells a story.
Here’s a collection of 10 delicious fish and seafood recipes straight from The Pinch of Masala — rich in tradition, easy to follow, and loaded with flavor!
1. Ilishi Fish Curry – Odia Hilsa in Mustard Gravy
The royalty of Odia kitchens — hilsa fish simmered in mustard paste and mustard oil, finished with just green chili and salt.
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2. Kankda Jhola – Odisha’s Spicy Crab Curry
Freshwater crabs simmered in mustard-oil-based curry with green chilies and garlic. Perfect with plain rice.
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3. Kankda Moong Dal Jhola – Coastal Simplicity in a Bowl
A soulful crab curry from Odisha with roasted moong dal and garlic — light, earthy, and deeply comforting.
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4. Chingri Malai Curry – Creamy Bengali Prawn Delight
Jumbo prawns slow-cooked in coconut milk and mild spices — elegant, rich, and served best with basmati rice.
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5. Surmai Curry – Maharashtrian Fish Curry
Kingfish (surmai) simmered in a kokum-tamarind base with coconut and fiery masalas. A coastal must-have.
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6. Bangda Fish Curry – Spicy Mackerel in Kokum Gravy
A bold, flavorful curry made with fresh mackerel, coconut masala, and kokum. Perfect with rice or chapati.
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7. Kolambi Bhaat – Maharashtrian Prawn Rice
A one-pot prawn pulao bursting with coastal spices — smoky, spiced, and slow-cooked in banana leaves.
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8. Fish Head Ghanta – Odia-Style Macha Munda Curry
A rustic curry made with fish head, lentils, and seasonal veggies — bold, traditional, and comforting.
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9. Poi Chingri Curry – Malabar Spinach with Prawns
A light and flavorful curry combining prawns with poi saag — a signature Odia dish loved across generations.
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10. Pomfret Fry – Crispy Coastal Delight
Whole pomfret marinated in spices and shallow-fried until golden — simple, elegant, and full of flavor.
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The Pinch of Masala 