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Crispy, savory fritters made from fresh fish roe, mixed with onions, spices, and chickpea flour. This authentic Bengali delicacy is a perfect appetizer or side dish, best enjoyed hot with a squeeze of lime and a side of kasundi.
Prepare the Fish Roe Batter
Shallow Fry the Fritters
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Crispy, savory fritters made from fresh fish roe, mixed with onions, spices, and chickpea flour. This authentic Bengali delicacy is a perfect appetizer or side dish, best enjoyed hot with a squeeze of lime and a side of kasundi.
This bengali recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 231.24 calories per serving with 18.26g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for appetizer or snack or side.
Drain and Serve
Add 1/2 teaspoon of 'kalo jeere' (nigella seeds) to the batter for a traditional Bengali aroma and a slightly nutty flavor.
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint leaves along with the coriander for a refreshing twist.
For a lower-fat option, shape the mixture into small patties and cook them in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp. Note that the texture will be different from the fried version.
Fish roe is an excellent source of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular function.
It provides a significant amount of complete protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle development, and overall body function.
Fish roe is exceptionally rich in Vitamin B12, a vital nutrient for nerve function, DNA synthesis, and the formation of red blood cells, helping to prevent anemia.
It contains Vitamin D, the 'sunshine vitamin,' which plays a key role in calcium absorption for strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting a healthy immune system.
Traditionally, roe from freshwater fish like Rohu, Katla, or Ilish (Hilsa) is used. They have a wonderful flavor and texture perfect for these fritters. However, you can use any fresh fish roe available to you.
It has both pros and cons. Fish roe is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and Vitamin B12. However, it is also high in cholesterol, and this recipe involves shallow frying. It's best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
One serving, which is approximately 3 fritters, contains around 220-240 calories. This is an estimate and can vary based on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific type of fish roe used.
This usually happens if the batter lacks sufficient binding. The mixture might be too wet. Try adding 1-2 teaspoons more of besan (gram flour) to the batter to help it hold its shape better.
Yes, you can. Make sure to thaw the frozen roe completely in the refrigerator overnight. Before using, pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which can make the batter runny.
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and restore their crispiness, place them in a preheated oven or an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes.