Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Arctic Char in Mustard Sauce

01 | 05 | 2012
By Soni Sinha

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The weather this morning played a dampener yet again and has been for the past few days except for Sunday which was beautiful without the occasional winds.On days like these I really feel like making a nice,comforting meal to cheer me up and talking about comforting,nothing beats this delicious Arctic Char in mustard sauce!You will be amazed at how the simple flavors bring together this sauce so beautifully!For those of you who are not familiar with Arctic Char read this;

Arctic char is a member of the Salmonid family. It resembles a Salmon in appearance but is genetically more closely linked to Trout. While some populations of Arctic Char migrate to the ocean and return to freshwater to spawn, others spend their entire life in freshwater. -(Source Seafood Choices Alliance)
You can also make this sauce with Salmon or Trout.

Arctic Char in Mustard sauce

If you feel like making a Fish curry that is totally different from the usual but easy enough to prepare then this is for you!This dish comes from the Eastern states of Bihar and West Bengal in India where fresh fish is available in abundance.The mustard sauce is one of the most popular preparations in these regions and I’ve grown-up having this Fish Curry all the time.My mom is a great cook and its one of her signature dishes!Traditionally Whole Mustard seeds are ground to make a paste along with green chillies,but I’ve modified Mom’s version by going for Coleman’s English Mustard Paste for ease and convenience.
Coleman's English Mustard
Mustard and Fish are a marriage made in heaven since they complement each other beautifully.
The use of Nigella Seeds is very important in this sauce,since it imparts that almost smoky flavor to the sauce.The garlic balances the bitterness of the mustard and the coriander adds a little earthy spiciness to the curry.The Amchur Powder (dry mango powder)is also a necessary ingredient to finish off this dish and should not be missed.If you don’t have Amchur,you could substitute Lemon Juice instead.Its one of the most delicious sauces you’ll ever try.

Arctic Char in Mustard Sauce

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Arctic Char Fillets-5-6
  • Nigella seeds kalonji-1 tsp
  • Coleman's English Mustard Paste-3 tbsp
  • Garlic Crushed-2 tbsp
  • Tomatoes-2 medium chopped
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Red Chilli Powder-1/2 tsp
  • Water-1 cup
  • Amchur Dry Mango PowderEasily available at your Indian Grocer-2 tsp (you could also substitute 2 tbsp of lemon juice)
  • Coriander leaves-2 tbsp chopped
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a deep skillet heat oil and add the Nigella Seeds.
  • Add the crushed garlic and saute on low heat until golden but not burnt.
  • Add the mustard paste.Saute for about a minute and add the tomatoes.
  • Mix well and cook for about a minute and add the ground Coriander, Turmeric,Red Chilli and salt.
  • Stir frequently on medium heat for about 4-5 mins until all the paste comes together and the tomatoes are cooked.
  • Add the fish fillets and mix very gently.Add the water and bring to a boil.
  • Cover and cook on medium until the fish is fully cooked,about 5-6 mins.Add the chopped coriander leaves and turn off the heat.
  • Sprinkle the Amchur powder or lemon juice and mix.Your fish is ready!Serve hot with rice.

 

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Comments

  3. mjskit says

    Artic char is a new fish for me. It looks like a pretty firm fish which to me means it would really hold up to these wonderful spices! Definitely comfort food for bad weather. Bet you felt a lot better afterwards!

  5. Soni says

    Thanks Carmen, Anu,Lisa and Neetu!!Such a lovely bunch you all are 🙂

  6. Balvinder Ubi says

    After devouring this lovely meal you must have cheered up:)
    The fish curry looks lovely . So you used tomatoes,amchur and mustard for that tangy taste.

  7. Lisa says

    I have never tried Arctic Char. I’m going to look for it at my local grocery store. This looks fantastic!

  8. Baker Street says

    What a lovely recipe Soni! I love trying new fish recipes because its a staple in my house. This one is bookmarked for next week.

  9. Carmen Anderson says

    I have been trying to eat more fish and less meat recently, and I am starting to run out of ideas… This recipe looks delicious and easy enough to make. It will definitely be on my menu this week! Thanks for sharing x

  10. easyfoodsmith says

    I am sure, the bright colour of this curry and its delicious flavours must have definitely cheered you up 🙂

  11. gobakeyourself says

    What a lovely fish curry – the colours look so vibrant and there are lots of great spices 😀

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru

  12. Kit @ i-lostinausten says

    Love this mouth watering dish that looks so delicious! I love Indian dish & fish curry is my favorite! We love fish at home & this recipe is a keeper, dear! I don’t think I’ve seen mango powder but will try looking at Indian grocer. If not I’ll just us lemon juice! Thanks for sharing & have a lovely day, Soni! 🙂

  13. Nami | Just One Cookbook says

    I’ve never tried arctic char before. I’ve never had fish with these seasonings/sauce, and I’m very curious how it’s like. Eating with rice sounds nice, pouring the sauce over it… Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    • Soni says

      Thanls Nami!!Its quite flavorful and the mustard sauce goes very well with this!Its one of my favorite sauces 🙂

    • Soni says

      Thanks!!Its very similar to Salmon and Trout but leans more towards Trout!!I got these from our local Wholefoods.

  15. Pola M says

    Arctic char is a delicious fish! I love the mustard sauce it must be delicious.

  16. Zoe says

    Sorry that I have to delete my previous comment due to my typo error.

    I’m drooling looking at all your pictures…

    I have not seen mango powder before and will check out this at our local Indian grocery store 😀

    • Soni says

      Thanks so much Zoe!!Mango powder is very easily available at any Indian Grocer!!I’m sure you’ll find it 🙂

  19. Cucina49 says

    That sauce is absolutely gorgeous–I love mustard sauces! I’ll have to see if I can find mango powder.

  23. The Saucy Gourmet says

    Soni, I just wanna pick up that fork and take a bite, great pictures, it looks so good!!! Hey, and thanks for stopping by The Saucy Gourmet and leaving the birthday wishes, that was so sweet.

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