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Macha Munda Ghanta

Macha Munda Ghanta

Print Recipe
Odia fish head curry with lentils and vegetables.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 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

Instructions

  • 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.
  • Cook Dal ' Veggies
  • Boil soaked chana dal and chopped vegetables with a pinch of turmeric and salt until just tender. Don’t overcook.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Finish ' Serve
  • Garnish with coriander. Serve hot with steamed rice, lemon wedge, and raw onion if you like it rustic.