Fish Head Lentil Soup (macher Matha Diye Dal)

This Fish Head Lentil Soup, known as Macher Matha Diye Dal in Bengali, is a traditional dish from the Bengali cuisine. It is a hearty and flavorful soup made with lentils and fish head, infused with aromatic spices.

Non Vegetarian Soup Bengali Bengali Cuisine Fish Head Lentil Soup
Fish Head Lentil Soup (macher Matha Diye Dal)

Ingredients

  • 1 fish head, cleaned and cut into pieces
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 green chilies, slit
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 4 cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash the lentils and soak them in water for 15 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a pot and sauté the onions until golden brown.
  3. Add the fish head pieces and sauté for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the ginger and garlic paste, green chilies, and tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
  5. Stir in the turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili powders.
  6. Add the soaked lentils and water. Season with salt and bring to a boil.
  7. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until the lentils are cooked and the soup has thickened.
  8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
15 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
250 per serving
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
8g

Supplies

Pot Stirring spoon Knife Cutting board

Tools

Stovetop

Serving suggestions

Serve the Fish Head Lentil Soup hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.

Tips & tricks

For a spicier kick, add more green chilies or red chili powder according to your preference.

Cost

$10