Keski mach (small freshwater fish) is a popular ingredient in traditional Bengali home cooking. Keski Macher Chorchori is a light, slightly dry dish cooked with minimal spices that allows the natural flavor of the fish to shine. This recipe is simple, healthy, and deeply comforting.
It is especially loved as an everyday meal, served with hot rice.
Why Keski Macher Chorchori Is Loved
This dish is a favorite in many Bengali households because:
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Keski fish is small, soft, and easy to eat
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Requires very few spices
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Light on the stomach and nutritious
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Perfect example of rustic Bengali cooking
It is often cooked with seasonal vegetables and mustard oil for authentic flavor.
Ingredients
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Keski fish – 250 grams
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Mustard oil – 4 tablespoons
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Onion (finely sliced) – 1 medium
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Garlic cloves (crushed) – 5 to 6
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Green chilies – 3 to 4 (slit)
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Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
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Red chili powder – ½ teaspoon (optional)
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Salt – to taste
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Potato (thinly sliced) – 1 small (optional)
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Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish
How to Cook Keski Macher Chorchori
Step 1: Clean and Marinate the Fish
Wash the Keski fish properly and marinate with turmeric powder and salt. Keep aside for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Fry the Fish
Heat mustard oil in a pan. Lightly fry the Keski fish until crisp. Remove and keep aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Base
In the same pan, add sliced onions and crushed garlic. Fry until lightly golden. Add green chilies and optional potato slices. Cook until potatoes soften.
Step 4: Add the Fish
Add the fried Keski fish to the pan. Sprinkle red chili powder if using. Mix gently so the fish does not break.
Step 5: Final Cooking
Cover and cook on low heat for 5–7 minutes. Stir carefully until everything combines and becomes slightly dry.
Serving Suggestions
Keski Macher Chorchori tastes best with:
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Steamed white rice
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Plain dal
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Lemon wedge on the side
It’s a simple meal that feels like home.
Conclusion
Keski Macher Chorchori is a beautiful example of traditional Bengali comfort food. With its minimal spices and rich mustard oil aroma, this dish proves that simplicity can be incredibly flavorful. Perfect for everyday lunch or dinner.
