Chital Macher Muitha (Fish Dumplings)

Chital Macher Muitha (Fish Dumplings) is an exotic preparation among the Bangals (People of East Bengal). Since my husband is a Ghoti (Native of West Bengal) and I being a Bangal we often argue about the differences and have fun... While growing up my ma used to make us very good and tasty food, on some special occasions she would make Chital Macher Muitha. I still remember it was such a lengthy process for her to separate the fish from the thorns for this preparation. The other day when I visited a Indian/Bangladeshi store to buy fish, I saw a box which said "Chital Meat Minced", I was overjoyed and bought a box. Since I already got the minced and cleaned fish, it was now easy for me to make the Muitha (Dumplings) and the gravy. My husband tasted this for the first time and now it is a hit at our home.

 

Ingredients: Chital Macher Muitha

Muitha/Dumplings:

• 1 Box Chital Minced
• 1 tbsp Ginger Paste
• 1 tbsp Garlic Paste
• 1 tbsp Green Chilli Paste
• 1 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder
• Salt 

Gravy:

• 1 Onion Paste
• 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
• 1/2 Tomato, chopped
• 1 Potato,  Cubed
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 2-3 Cloves
• 1 Cinnamon Stick
• 2 Green Cardamom
• 1/2 tsp Garam Masala Powder

 

To make the Muitha (Dumplings/Kofta) mix the minced fish with the Ginger Garlic Paste, Chilli Paste, Cumin Powder and Salt. I know some people use boiled potato or corn flour but I prefer just not to use any binding agent. In a pan, boil some water, now wet your hands and take a small portion of the mixture, give it a round shape. Drop the balls in the hot boiling water and wait till the color changes, take the balls out after 2-3 minutes.

Using a paper towel or napkin, drain the excess water and shallow fry the Muitha/Dumplings in a pan.

For the gravy, heat oil in a pan, fry the Potato cubes and keep aside. Heat oil in the same pan add the Cloves, Cinnamon, Cardamom and Bay Leaf, leave for a minute and then add the Onion, Ginger Garlic paste, stir fry till the paste becomes brown in color. Add the chopped Tomato or Tomato Puree, Salt, Green Chilli Paste and cook till you can see oil separating out. Pour 2 cups of water, the fried Muitha/Dumplings, fried Potatoes, cover and give the gravy a boil.

Garnish with Garam Masala Powder and serve the delicious Chital Macher Muitha with Plain Rice.