Entree: Bangladesh – Bengali River Delta – চিতল মাছের মুঠা ➤ Chital Macher Muitha (Steamed or simmered spiced river-fish dumplings made from minced chital and rice in a light mustard and ginger sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 15 min

Additional 10 min

Total 35 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) chital fillets, boneless and skin removed, minced
- 1/2 cup (100 g) short-grain rice, soaked 20 minutes and drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 3 oz / 85 g)
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp (15 g) fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp (5 g) turmeric powder
- 1 tsp (6 g) salt, or to taste
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) mustard oil, plus extra for finishing
- 2 tbsp (30 g) yellow mustard seeds, soaked in warm water 10 minutes and ground to a smooth paste with 2 tbsp (30 ml) water
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) water, plus more as needed
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh cilantro (coriander leaves)
- Banana leaves or parchment, optional for steaming or wrapping

Instructions

1. Combine the minced chital, drained soaked rice, chopped onion, green chilies, minced ginger, turmeric, and salt in a bowl; mix thoroughly and shape into golf-ball-sized dumplings (about 12–14 dumplings).
2. Heat the vegetable oil together with 1 tbsp (15 ml) mustard oil in a wide, shallow pan over medium heat; add the ground mustard paste, stir for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then add 1/4 cup (60 ml) water to loosen into a thin sauce.
3. Gently lower the dumplings into the simmering mustard sauce, reducing heat to low; cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, turning once carefully so all sides cook evenly, and add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
4. Finish with the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) mustard oil drizzled over the dumplings and scatter chopped cilantro on top; cook uncovered 1–2 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Serve hot, traditionally with plain steamed rice; if you prefer, steam the dumplings wrapped in banana leaves for 8–10 minutes before finishing in the mustard sauce for a more tender texture.