Achari machli / Achari fish recipe

Achari machli / Achari fish recipe

Achari Fish recipe for you:

Ingredients:

500 grams of fish fillets (any firm white fish like cod, tilapia, or snapper)
2 tablespoons mustard oil (or any cooking oil of your choice)
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon Achari masala (a blend of Indian pickling spices, available in stores or homemade)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
1/2 teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
1/2 teaspoon fenugreek seeds (methi)
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 cup plain yogurt (whisked until smooth)
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Clean the fish fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut them into desired size pieces and set aside.

In a bowl, mix the whisked yogurt, Achari masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. This will be the marinade for the fish.

Rub the fish pieces with the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for a few hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the fish.

In a large skillet or pan, heat the mustard oil over medium heat until it starts to smoke slightly. If using another cooking oil, you can heat it until it shimmers.

Lower the heat to medium-low and add the fennel seeds, nigella seeds, fenugreek seeds, and mustard seeds to the hot oil. Let them crackle and release their flavors, which will take around 30 seconds.

Add the ginger-garlic paste to the pan and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.

Now, add the marinated fish pieces to the pan, along with some of the marinade. Cook the fish on medium-low heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and turn golden brown.

Once the fish is cooked, turn off the heat, and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Serve the Achari fish hot with lemon wedges on the side. It goes well with steamed rice, naan, or any Indian bread of your choice.

Enjoy your delicious Achari Fish!