Loading...
A unique and tangy Assamese fish roe curry. The sourness of elephant apple beautifully complements the rich flavor of the fish roe fritters, creating a light yet flavorful dish that's a true taste of Assam.
Prepare the Elephant Apple and Fritter Mix
Shallow-Fry the Fish Roe Fritters (Koni Bor)
Prepare the Tenga Gravy
A dhaba-style classic featuring tender urad dal fried with a fragrant masala of onions, tomatoes, and ginger. This semi-dry lentil dish is hearty, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with hot naan or roti.
A vibrant and energizing Indian-style bowl packed with fresh fruits, crunchy nuts, and wholesome seeds in a lightly sweetened, cardamom-infused yogurt base. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or a revitalizing snack, this no-cook recipe is ready in just 10 minutes.
A wholesome and savory porridge made from broken wheat and mixed vegetables. This one-pot meal is a popular, nutritious breakfast or light lunch option across India, ready in under 30 minutes.
A savory and wholesome Indian breakfast made with roasted vermicelli, colorful vegetables, and a fragrant tempering of spices. This quick one-pot meal is light on the stomach and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy mornings.
A unique and tangy Assamese fish roe curry. The sourness of elephant apple beautifully complements the rich flavor of the fish roe fritters, creating a light yet flavorful dish that's a true taste of Assam.
This indian recipe takes 45 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 326.87 calories per serving with 18.04g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Simmer and Finish the Curry
Serve
If elephant apple is unavailable, use 2 tablespoons of tamarind pulp or 1 medium-sized sour tomato, chopped.
You can add other vegetables like bottle gourd (lauki) or ridge gourd (jika) along with the potatoes for added texture and nutrition.
While Rohu fish roe is traditional, you can use roe from other freshwater fish like Catla or Hilsa.
For a vegetarian alternative, replace the fish roe fritters with fritters made from mashed lentils (masoor dal bor) or crumbled paneer.
Fish roe is a potent source of Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which are crucial for brain health, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular function.
This dish provides high-quality protein from the fish roe, essential for building and repairing tissues, muscle maintenance, and overall body function.
Ingredients like turmeric (containing curcumin) and mustard oil contribute anti-inflammatory compounds that can help combat chronic inflammation in the body.
In traditional medicine, Elephant Apple (Ou Tenga) is believed to have properties that aid digestion and help soothe the stomach.
Ou Tenga, or Elephant Apple, is a sour fruit native to Southeast Asia. It has a unique tangy flavor and a slightly crunchy texture, making it a popular souring agent in Assamese cuisine, especially in 'tenga' or sour curries.
This can happen for a few reasons. Ensure you have enough binding agent (besan). Don't overmix the batter, as this can break the delicate roe. Also, make sure the oil is hot enough before you start frying, and handle the fritters gently both during frying and when adding them to the gravy.
It is moderately healthy. Fish roe is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids and protein. However, the fritters are shallow-fried, which adds to the calorie and fat content. It's a nutritious dish best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
One serving of Ou Tenga Koni (approximately 310g) contains an estimated 350-400 calories. The exact count depends on the amount of oil absorbed during frying and the specific type of fish roe used.
Store any leftover curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fritters will soften upon refrigeration. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fritters rubbery.
Panch phoron gives the dish its characteristic aroma. If you don't have it, you can use 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds and 1/2 tsp of fenugreek seeds as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.