Easy Homestyle Fish Rezala: A Flavorful Indian Fish Curry
30 minutes
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About Easy Homestyle Fish Rezala: A Flavorful Indian Fish Curry
Craving the authentic flavors of Fish Rezala but short on time? This simplified homestyle recipe delivers a rich, mildly spiced curry that's perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a weekend feast.Tender fish, lightly fried to golden perfection, simmers in a luscious yogurt and coconut milk sauce. Aromatic spices like cloves, black pepper, and bay leaves infuse the curry with warmth and depth.Quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor, this Fish Rezala proves that deliciousness doesn't require hours in the kitchen. Enjoy this fragrant, creamy curry for lunch or dinner – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Recipe Time & More
Prep10 minutes
Cook20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Ingredients
Fish
- 250 gm Fish Fillets such as cod, haddock, or tilapia
Aromatics and Spices
- 2 Tbsp Garlic Paste or boiled onion paste
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 8 Peppercorns black
- 4 Cloves
- 2 Chilies green, slit lengthwise
Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Yogurt
- 2 Tbsp Coconut Cream
- 2 Tbsp Mustard Oil
Seasoning
- ½ tsp Garam Masala
- 1 pinch Sugar
- 1 ½ tsp Salt or to taste
Instructions
- Lightly fry the fish fillets until golden. Set aside.
- Boil the garlic until softened. Peel and mash into a paste. Alternatively, you can use boiled onion paste.
- In a pan, heat the mustard oil. Add the bay leaves, black peppercorns, cloves, and green chilies. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the garlic (or onion) paste to the pan and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then, whisk the yogurt with a little water to make it smooth and add it to the pan along with the salt and a pinch of sugar. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Gently place the fried fish fillets into the simmering sauce. Cook for a few minutes until heated through. Be careful not to overcook. Sprinkle with garam masala and remove from heat. Stir in the coconut cream. This creates a rich and creamy finish.
Recipe Notes
Good To Know
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the fish in a mixture of yogurt, garlic paste, and a pinch of salt for at least 30 minutes before cooking; this also helps keep the fish moist and tender during the simmering process.
- If you prefer a thicker, restaurant-style gravy, blend a few soaked cashews or blanched almonds into the yogurt before adding it to the dish—this enhances both richness and texture without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- To mellow the pungency of mustard oil, heat it until it just begins to smoke, then let it cool slightly before starting the recipe; this step softens its sharpness while retaining its unique aroma essential to Rezala.
- For a Bengali-style touch, sprinkle a few drops of kewra water or rose water into the dish just before serving to add an aromatic, floral note typical of classic Rezala preparations.
Expert Tips
- Adjust the amount of green chilies to control the spice level of the Rezala according to your preference.
- For a richer, creamier Rezala, use full-fat yogurt and add a tablespoon of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of the cooking process.
- Serve the fish Rezala hot with steamed rice, naan, or roti for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover Rezala in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat before serving.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 133kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 1gFat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8.4gSodium: 1710mgSugar: 1g
4 Comments
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This looks so appetizing! Thank you.
Great recipe! I’m eager to try it.
Such an enticing dish! Thanks for the recipe.
Such a tempting dish! Thank you.