Bengali
Fish Head
Shukto
Intermediate
For 2 people

Bhangachora Shukto: Bengali Fish Head, Shrimp & Veggie Stew


Bhangachora Shukto is a traditional Bengali stew that combines an array of seasonal vegetables with the rich flavour of fried fish head & shelled shrimps. Slow-cooked in aromatic mustard oil with panch phoron, the vegetables, shelled shrimps, and fish head meld into a comforting, semi-thick broth. Lightly sweetened and seasoned, this unique stew is served with steamed rice for a satisfying meal. While it takes some time to prepare, the cooking process is straightforward, making it a great weekend dish to share with family.

Ingredients

  • Sunrise Shukto Masala

    2 tsp
  • Sunrise Shahi Garam Masala

    1 tsp
  • Sunrise Turmeric Powder

    1/2 tsp (for marination) + 1 tsp (for cooking)
  • Panch Phoron

    1 tsp
  • Green Chillies

    3–4 (or as preferred)
  • Ginger Paste

    1 tsp
  • Fish Head

    1 medium
  • Plantain (diced)

    1 cup
  • Pumpkin (diced)

    1 cup
  • Papaya (diced)

    1 cup
  • Brinjal (diced)

    1 cup
  • Ridge Gourd (diced)

    1 cup
  • Shrimps (shelled)

    100 g
  • Sunrise Mustard Oil

    25 ml
  • Ghee

    1 tsp
  • Salt

    to taste
  • Sugar

    according to taste
  • Water

    as required

Sunrise tip: Add firmer vegetables like plantain and pumpkin first, followed by softer ones like ridge gourd and brinjal. This ensures all veggies are perfectly cooked and retain their texture.

 

Steps

Step 1: Cut & Marinate the Fish Head

Time: 10 minutes

Cut the fish head into 4-5 pieces and add them to a large bowl for marination.

Add salt and Sunrise Turmeric powder. Now, mix it well to coat each and every corner of the fish pieces. Keep it aside for some minutes.

 

Step 2: Marinate the Shelled Shrimps

Time: 10 minutes

Take the shelled shrimps in a bowl, add salt and Sunrise Turmeric powder. Mix it well and keep it aside for some minutes.

 

Step 3: Fry the Fish Head Pieces & Shelled Shrimps

Time: 15 minutes

Heat Sunrise Mustard oil in a pan. Add panch phoron to the oil. Gently slide the marinated fish head pieces into the oil.

Fry the fish head until it's lightly browned and crisp on both sides. Then, add the marinated shelled shrimps to the same pan.

Mix properly & fry them well.

 

Step 4: Add Ginger & Vegetables

Time: 10 minutes

Add ginger paste to the fried fish pieces and shelled shrimps and stir well.

Add chopped green chillies, diced vegetables and salt to taste.

 

Step 5: Add Spices

Time: 10 minutes

Sprinkle in Sunrise Turmeric powder, Sunrise Shukto Masala, water (as required) and cook by covering the pan for 5-10 minutes.

 

Step 6: Add sugar

Time: 5 minutes

Uncover the pan and stir in some sugar until it dissolves. Continue cooking until the stew reaches a semi-thick consistency.

 

Step 7: Finish and serve

Time: 3 minutes

Stir in the ghee and Sunrise Shahi Garam Masala. Remove from the heat.

Let the Bhangachora Shukto rest for a few minutes before serving hot with steamed rice.

 

Goes Best With

  • Side Dish: Steamed rice