Among the plethora of seafood, there is one dish that stands out for its unique flavour and taste – the Bombil Fish Curry. Bursting with aromatic spices and tender pieces of Bombay Duck fish, this dish has impressed every seafood lover. Whether you’re a foodie or a seafood enthusiast, Bombil Fish Curry is an experience that should not be missed.
With its origins in the coastal regions of India, especially Mumbai this delectable fish curry also known as ‘Bombil Kalwan’ has a distinct taste that is impossible to replicate.
The combination of tangy tamarind, fiery red chili or the aromatic East Indian Bottle Masala, and fragrant herbs creates a great-tasting curry that leaves you craving for more. Paired with steamed rice or rice rotis this makes a wonderful meal. Hence, Bombil Fish Curry Recipe with its numerous health benefits should be included in every seafood lover’s menu.
Table of Contents
- Health Benefits of Consuming Bombil Fish Curry
- Where to Find Bombil Fish
- Ingredients for Bombil Fish Curry
Health Benefits of Consuming Bombil Fish Curry
Bombil fish supports a healthy heart and boosts immunity. Not only does Bombil Fish Curry satisfy your cravings for a hearty seafood meal, but it also offers health benefits.
High in protein and low in fat, Bombay Ducks are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that leaves you feeling nourished and satisfied as well.
The ingredients that go into this Bombil Fish Curry have nutritive value too and hence this Bombil Curry must be included in your regular diet.
Where to Find Bombil Fish
Fresh Bombil or Bombay Duck Fish is available all throughout the year along the coastal regions of India, especially Maharashtra and Gujarat. Considered a delicacy among seafood lovers it is prepared in a variety of ways and is prominent in all seafood restaurant menus due to its high demand.
Bombay Duck Fish is available in all local fish markets and supermarkets too. Compared to other fish varieties they are less pricey and affordable. Nowadays, you can order them online too.
Dried Bombils or Bombay Duck Fish is another delicacy and is enjoyed especially during the monsoons when fish is scarce. Fisherfolks dry these fresh Bombay Ducks on specially erected bamboo structures, during hot summer months, and sell them in weekly markets. Dry Bombils are purchased by fish eaters in large quantities and preserved for the monsoon season.
Ingredients for Bombil Fish Curry
- Fresh Bombils (Bombay Duck Fish) – 08 to 10
- Turmeric powder – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Tomato – 01 medium, chopped
- Bottle Masala/Malvani Masala or Red Chilli Powder – 1 tbsp
- Tamarind Extract – 1/2 cup
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Coriander leaves for garnish
- Masala (grind to a paste) –
- Ginger – 1/2 inch
- Garlic – 6 cloves
- Green Chillies – 4
- Coriander leaves – 4 sprigs
How to Cook Bombil Fish Curry at Home
This is a quick and easy Bombil Fish Curry Recipe that you can make at home without much effort. Bombil is a delicate fish and needs very little cooking time and hence gets done in minutes. So let’s get started –
1. Clean, cut, and wash the Bombay Duck Fish and let them drain in a colander.
2. Place the Bombay Ducks in a vessel and marinate with salt and turmeric. Set them aside till you get the masala paste ready.
3. Make a paste of ginger, garlic, green chillies, and coriander leaves in your small blender jar.
4. Now add this paste to the bombils. Also, add one chopped tomato, Bottle masala, or red chilli powder, and oil and mix well with your fingers.
5. Finally, add tamarind extract and place the vessel on medium heat. Cover and cook for 4 to 5 minutes till done. Garnish with coriander leaves and then turn off the heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Bombil Curry hot with rice rotis. Enjoy it with a plate of steamed rice and some fresh salad for a satisfying afternoon meal.
Traditional Recipes for Bombil Fish
- Green Bombil Curry: A delicious curry of fresh Bombay Ducks or Bombil in a Green Masala Paste with a hint of fresh mint. This is an excellent recipe to try during the summer and enjoy with a plate of steaming hot rice.
- Dry Bombay Duck Fish Curry. Another delicacy that is popular and most favoured during the monsoons. You can stir up this dish quickly and enjoy it with hot rice rotis or bhakris.
- Bombil Chutney. This dry Bombay Duck side dish pairs well with your regular meal of dal-rice. A traditional dish enjoyed by most seafood lovers, this chutney can be preserved for a couple of days too.
Printable Recipe
Why Bombil Fish Curry Should Be on Every Seafood Lover’s Menu
Ingredients
- 8 to 10 Fresh Bombay Ducks (Bombils) cut into pieces
- ½ tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 medium Tomato chopped
- 1 tbsp Bottle Masala/Malvani Masala or Red Chilli Powder
- ½ cup Tamarind Extract a small ball of tamarind soaked in water
- 2 tbsp Oil
- Coriander leaves for garnish
Masala to be ground
- ½ inch Ginger
- 6 cloves Garlic
- 4 Green Chillies
- 4 sprigs Coriander leaves a small bunch
Instructions
- Clean, cut, and wash the Bombay Duck Fish and let it drain in a colander.
- Place the Bombay Ducks in a vessel and marinate with salt and turmeric. Set them aside till you get the masala paste ready.
- Make a paste of ginger, garlic, green chillies, and coriander leaves in your small blender jar.
- Now add this paste to the bombils. Also, add chopped tomato, Bottle masala, or red chilli powder, and oil and mix well with your fingers.
- Finally add tamarind extract, give it a stir and place the vessel on medium heat. Cover and cook for 4 to 5 minutes till done. Garnish with coriander leaves and turn off the heat.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or rice rotis.
Notes
- Do not overcook the bombils. Alternatively, cook the gravy first and then drop in the Bombay ducks.
- Adjust chillies and chilli powder to suit your taste
- You can increase or decrease the number of Bombils, as needed.
- Use salt as per your taste.
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