Odia Authentic Machha Besara Recipe 

Machha Besara is a traditional Odia (Oriya) dish from the eastern Indian state of Odisha. It is a fish curry prepared with mustard paste and a blend of spices.

Here’s a recipe for Machha Besara:

Ingredients:

• 500 grams fish (such as Rohu, Catla, or any firm white fish)
• 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
• 4-5 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tablespoons mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, for garnishing

Preparation:

1. Clean and wash the fish thoroughly. Marinate the fish with half a tablespoon of turmeric powder and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, soak the mustard seeds in water for about 15 minutes. Drain the water and grind the mustard seeds with a little water to make a smooth paste.
3. Heat mustard oil in a pan or kadai over medium heat.
4. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
7. Lower the heat and add the ground mustard paste, remaining turmeric powder, and slit green chilies. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
8. Cook the mustard paste for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the raw smell disappears and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
9. Add water to adjust the consistency of the curry according to your preference.
10. Gently place the marinated fish pieces into the curry, making sure they are submerged in the gravy.
11. Cover the pan and let the fish cook in the curry over low heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and tender.
12. Once the fish is cooked, check for seasoning and add salt as per taste.
13. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
14. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Machha Besara is known for its distinct mustard flavor and creamy texture. The combination of mustard seeds, spices, and fish creates a delicious and aromatic dish that is popular in Odisha cuisine.

Expert Tips

Machha Besara is a delicious and tangy fish curry popular in the Odia cuisine of Eastern India. Here are some expert tips to enhance your Machha Besara recipe:

1. Choose the right fish: Opt for firm and fleshy fish varieties that hold up well in curries, such as Rohu, Catla, or Pomfret. Fresh fish with a mild flavor works best for this dish.
2. Marination: Marinating the fish before cooking can help infuse it with flavors. Rub the fish pieces with turmeric powder and salt, and let them marinate for 15-20 minutes. This step helps remove any fishy smell and enhances the taste.
3. Mustard paste: The unique flavor of Machha Besara comes from the mustard paste. Use a combination of yellow and black mustard seeds, along with a little water, to grind into a smooth paste. Soak the mustard seeds for 15-20 minutes before grinding to ensure a smooth texture.
4. Cooking technique: Machha Besara is traditionally cooked in a mustard oil base, which adds a distinct flavor. Heat the mustard oil until it reaches its smoking point before adding the tempering ingredients. This helps in reducing the pungent smell of the oil.
5. Balance the flavors: Machha Besara is known for its tangy taste. Use tamarind pulp or raw mango to add sourness. Adjust the amount of tamarind or raw mango according to your preference for tanginess. You can also add a little sugar or jaggery to balance the flavors.
6. Garnish with fresh coriander: Adding freshly chopped coriander leaves to the curry just before serving enhances the taste and adds a vibrant touch to the dish.
7. Resting time: After cooking, allow the Machha Besara to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the fish pieces absorb the flavors of the curry.
8. Accompaniments: Machha Besara pairs well with steamed rice or roti. Consider serving it with a side of fresh green salad or pickles to complement the flavors.

Remember, these tips are meant to enhance your Machha Besara recipe but feel free to adjust them according to your taste preferences.

Preparation Time

The preparation time for Machha Besara can vary depending on the specific recipe and individual cooking techniques. However, there’s a general estimate of the preparation time:

• Cleaning and Marinating the Fish: Cleaning the fish and marinating it with spices and ingredients can take around 15-20 minutes, depending on the size and type of fish.
• Chopping and Grinding: Chopping onions, grinding spices, and preparing the masala can take approximately 10-15 minutes.
• Sautéing and Cooking: Sautéing the onions, garlic, and other ingredients, and then cooking the fish in the masala can take around 15-20 minutes.
• Simmering and Finalizing: Allowing the flavors to blend and simmering the dish to achieve the desired consistency can take an additional 10-15 minutes.

Considering these steps, the total preparation time for Machha Besara can be estimated to be around 50 minutes to 1 hour. However, please note that these times are approximate and can vary based on personal cooking speed, the complexity of the recipe, and the individual’s familiarity with the cooking techniques involved.

It’s always a good idea to read through the recipe beforehand, gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment, and plan accordingly to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Serving Procedure

Machha Besara is a traditional Odia (Oriya) dish made with fish and a tangy mustard-based gravy. Here’s a suggested serving procedure for Machha Besara:

1. Rice Accompaniment: Machha Besara is typically served with steamed rice, as it helps balance the flavors of the tangy gravy. Prepare steamed rice separately as a side dish.
2. Plating: Start by placing a serving of steamed rice on a plate or in a bowl. Ensure there is enough space to pour the fish and gravy over the rice.
3. Fish and Gravy: Take a generous portion of the Machha Besara, including a piece or pieces of fish, and spoon it over the rice. Make sure to include a good amount of the flavorful mustard-based gravy.
4. Garnish: Optionally, you can garnish the dish with fresh coriander leaves (cilantro) or finely chopped green chilies to add a touch of freshness and spice.
5. Accompaniments: Consider serving some traditional Odia side dishes or accompaniments with Machha Besara. This can include dishes like Dalma (a lentil and vegetable curry), Alu Bharta (mashed potatoes), or Saga Bhaja (stir-fried leafy greens).
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Machha Besara with steamed rice and accompaniments while it is still hot. Enjoy the flavors of the tangy mustard-based gravy along with the succulent fish.

Remember, these serving suggestions can be adapted to personal preferences and regional variations. Feel free to adjust the quantities and accompaniments according to your taste and the availability of ingredients.

Nutritional Value

Machha Besara is a traditional Odia (Oriya) dish from the eastern Indian state of Odisha, where fish is cooked in mustard-based gravy. The nutritional value of Machha Besara can vary depending on the type of fish used and the specific recipe. However, here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional components:

• Protein: Fish is a rich source of high-quality protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair. The protein content can vary based on the type of fish used. For example, a 100-gram serving of cooked salmon provides approximately 20-25 grams of protein.
• Fat: The fat content of fish can vary depending on the species and cooking method. Some fish, like salmon, are higher in healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The fat content can range from 2 to 20 grams per 100 grams of cooked fish, depending on the species.
• Carbohydrates: Machha Besara is primarily a protein and fat-based dish, and the carbohydrate content is typically minimal. The gravy may contain small amounts of carbohydrates from ingredients like onions, tomatoes, and spices.
• Fiber: Fish itself does not contain dietary fiber. However, if the dish includes vegetables or other ingredients high in fiber, such as onions or tomatoes, the fiber content will be contributed by those ingredients.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Fish is known to be a good source of various vitamins and minerals. It provides important nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, iodine, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for overall health.
• Calories: The calorie content of Machha Besara can vary depending on the type of fish used and the ingredients in the gravy. On average, a 100-gram serving of cooked fish can provide approximately 100-200 calories, depending on the fish species and cooking method.

It’s important to note that the specific nutritional values can vary depending on the recipe and ingredients used in Machha Besara

Recipe Video