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Muri Ghonto

Muri Ghonto

IndianIndianIntermediateIntermediateMain CourseMain Course
Close-up of muri ghonto with fish head pieces, rice, and cashews in a traditional Bengali preparation
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Muri Ghonto
Recipe: A Bengali Melange Of Fish Head And Rice

90 mins
Cooking Time
Intermediate
Difficulty
25
Ingredients
Seafood
Diet
Muri ghonto is a Bengali fish head curry that transforms what many cultures discard into a celebrated delicacy. The word derives from the Bengali ‘muro’ or ‘muri’ meaning head, while ‘ghonto’ refers to a mixture or mish-mash. Large freshwater fish heads from the region, typically rohu or katla, are fried, then braised with the fragrant gobindobhog rice, potatoes, and spices. There’s a Bangladeshi version which uses moong dal, while West Bengal preparations incorporate aromatic rice. The final dish is soft and mushy, infused with ghee and garam masala, creating an aroma that defines Bengali comfort food.

Ingredients

UNITSIngredients
2¼ cupsFish head (preferably rui/rohu) (cut pieces, loosely packed)
1¾ tspSalt (for marinating)
1 tspTurmeric (for marinating)
1½ cupsGobindobhog rice
3-3⅓ cupsHot water
¼ cupMustard oil
2 tbsp + 1 tbspGhee (for finishing)
1¾ cupsPotatoes (cut into 3-cm cubes)
⅓ cupGreen peas
¼ cupCashew nuts
¼ cupRaisins
2Dried red chillies
2Bay leaves
4 podsCardamom
1 stickCinnamon (about 1 inch)
4Cloves
1 tspCumin seeds
1 tspTurmeric powder
2 tspCumin powder
½ tspRed chilli powder
1 tbspGinger paste
6-8Green chillies (slit)
2 tspSalt
2½ tbspSugar
½ tspGaram masala (extra for garnish)

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Directions

Description - Step 1

Marinate the fish head

Wash the fish head thoroughly, paying special attention to cleaning the gills if using them. Drain all water completely. Rub the fish head with salt and turmeric, ensuring even coverage. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Step 1
Marinate the fish head
30 Minutes
Step 2
Prepare and fry the rice
15 Minutes
Step 3
Fry potatoes and fish head
15 Minutes
Step 4
Prepare the spice base
10 Minutes