Thekera Maas

Thekera Maas

Thekera Maas

Fish curry soured with dried thekera (Garcinia cambogia-like fruit) — the dehydrated sour fruit imparts a deep, mellow acidity quite distinct from lemon or tamarind-based tengas.

Cuisines

Assamese

Best for

Lunch Dinner

Build a full meal around Thekera Maas

Get a matched combo of sides and accents

Recipe

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Total: 50 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

Fish 300 grams Fish , fresh, preferably Rohu or Catla
Thekera 2 pieces Thekera , dried
Onion 1 medium Onion , finely chopped
turmeric powder 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
red chili powder 1 teaspoon Red chili powder
mustard oil 2 tablespoons Mustard oil
Panch Phoran 1 teaspoon Panch Phoran , Assamese five spice
water 1 cup Water
salt Salt , to taste
Cilantro Cilantro , fresh, for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1 Clean and cut the fish into medium-sized pieces.
  2. 2 Rub the fish pieces with half of the turmeric powder and salt. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  3. 3 Soak the dried Thekera in warm water for 15 minutes until soft.
  4. 4 Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches a smoking point, then reduce the heat.
  5. 5 Fry the fish pieces in batches until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  6. 6 In the same pan, add panch phoron and let it splutter.
  7. 7 Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  8. 8 Mix in the remaining turmeric powder and red chili powder. Stir well.
  9. 9 Add the soaked Thekera along with the water it was soaked in.
  10. 10 Pour in one cup of water and bring to a boil.
  11. 11 Gently add the fried fish pieces to the pan and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the fish is cooked through and the flavors meld.
  12. 12 Adjust salt to taste.
  13. 13 Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tips

For a more authentic taste, use mustard oil and adjust the sourness by varying the amount of Thekera.