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Katla Fish Curry

Recipe by Arpita on InstagramAdded 27 October 2026.

15 minutes to prep, 30 to cook. A fiery Bengali‑style katla fish curry featuring mustard oil, turmeric, nigella seeds, and fresh green chilies, cooked with potatoes, gourds, and raw bananas for a hearty, spicy dinner.

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Katla Fish Curry by Arpita, a frame from the Instagram video

Method

  1. Rub salt and turmeric all over the katla fish pieces.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Fish pieces are evenly coated with salt and turmeric. Use your hands to rub the seasoning into the fish for even coverage.

  2. Heat mustard oil in a pan and fry the seasoned fish until lightly browned, then remove and set aside.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Fish is lightly browned on both sides. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if needed.

  3. In the same oil, add nigella (kalojire) seeds and sliced green chilies; fry briefly until fragrant.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Nigella seeds begin to pop and chilies become fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent burning.

  4. Add potatoes, pointed gourds, raw bananas, additional salt and turmeric; stir‑fry for a few minutes.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Vegetables are slightly softened and coated with spices. Cut potatoes and gourds into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

  5. Pour in 2 cups of water, season with more salt and turmeric, and bring to a gentle simmer.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Water comes to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low once it reaches a simmer.

  6. Grind cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and green chilies with a little water to form a paste, then stir the paste into the pot.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Paste is smooth and well combined. Add water gradually while grinding to achieve a thick paste consistency.

  7. Cook the vegetables until they become soft, about 10‑12 minutes.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork. Check the largest piece of potato for doneness.

  8. Return the fried fish to the curry and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.

    Kitchen notes · Added by ReelsMeals: Fish is heated through and flavors have melded. Gently stir to avoid breaking the fish pieces.

  9. Serve hot.

Tips while you cook

Season before frying
Rub salt and turmeric over the fish pieces before frying.
Set fried fish aside
Fry the seasoned fish until lightly browned, then remove and keep aside before adding vegetables.
Add spice paste after water
Stir the ground cumin, peppercorn, and chili paste into the pot after pouring in the water.
Brief final simmer
Return the fried fish to the curry and simmer for only 2–3 minutes.

Notes from ReelsMeals, based on this recipe's ingredients, times and method. They are not the creator's instructions.

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The recipe comes from Arpita’s Instagram reel. ReelsMeals wrote it down from the caption and the voiceover. Check the original if something looks off, and for anything about allergens.

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