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Fish

Doi maach with rice

Doi maach is a Bengali simmered fish dish, made here for 4 people in 40 minutes, at an easy skill level and about €4.20 per person. Cod simmers in a sauce of yogurt, softened onions and mild spices, served with basmati rice. The key to success is whisking the yogurt well and adding it over low heat so it doesn't split.

Tonight, a Bengali style simmered fish in a mild yogurt and spice sauce, all gentle flavors, served with rice.

Doi maach with rice
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Easy
Cost per person
€4.20
Calories per person
560 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Fall, Winter, Spring

Doi maach takes its name from doi, yogurt in Bengali, which coats the fish in a mild, slightly tangy sauce. Slowly browned onions build a rounded base, turmeric adds color without heat, and a green chili brings just enough edge. The cod stays in large, tender chunks, never flaky or shredded, keeping the texture of a proper simmered fish dish.

It's a great weeknight option when you want a change from pan seared fish, without spending hours at the stove. It also works well on a Sunday if you're hosting people who like fragrant food without heavy spice. Basmati rice soaks up the sauce and turns this into a complete, comforting meal.

The ingredients

4 people

Fish counter

  • Cod fillets 700 g

Dairy

  • Plain yogurt 4 cups

Fruits and vegetables

  • Onions 2
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Fresh ginger 20 g
  • Green chili 1

Pantry

  • Turmericoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Ground cuminoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Garam masalaoften in the pantry 1 tsp
  • Bay leavesoften in the pantry 2 leaves
  • Basmati riceoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Sunflower oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch

Allergens Fish, Lactose

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the fish into large chunks, rub it with salt and turmeric, then sear it over high heat in a spoonful of oil. 6 min

    Just sear the surface, it will finish cooking in the sauce.

  2. Cook the sliced onions and bay leaves in the remaining oil until golden. 12 min

    Let the onions color well, they give the sauce its sweetness.

  3. Add the garlic, ginger, cumin and chili, then the whisked yogurt, and let it simmer gently over low heat, stirring. 8 min

    Pour the yogurt in a spoonful at a time.

  4. Add the fish to the sauce and let it cook gently, covered, with the garam masala. 8 min

    Don't stir too much, the fish should stay in chunks.

  5. Cook the basmati rice in salted water while this simmers, and serve it alongside the fish. 11 min

    A little fresh cilantro on top just before serving.

Our tips to get it right

  • Take the yogurt out of the fridge a little before using it, it splits less easily when it isn't ice cold.
  • Choose thick cod fillets, they hold their shape better as large chunks while simmering in the sauce.
  • If the sauce looks too thin at the end, simmer uncovered a few extra minutes instead of adding flour.

The variations

  • Swap the cod for hake or monkfish, two firm fish that hold up well during simmering.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the fish with potato and cauliflower chunks, added a bit earlier into the sauce.
  • For kids, skip the green chili and cut the garam masala in half, the sauce stays mild and fragrant.

What to serve it with

  • Plain basmati rice
  • Cucumber salad with lemon
  • Spiced black tea or lemon water

Storage

Doi maach keeps for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container, since the yogurt sauce doesn't hold up well longer than that. It doesn't freeze well, as the yogurt can split once thawed. Reheat it gently over low heat, without boiling, to keep the fish's texture intact.

Questions about this dish

Why does the yogurt split in the sauce?

Yogurt splits when it's added cold or cooked over high heat. Whisk it well before adding it, and keep the heat low throughout the sauce's cooking time.

Can you make doi maach ahead of time?

You can make the onion and spice sauce ahead and reheat it gently. Add the fish and yogurt only when you're ready to serve, to keep the right texture.

What fish can replace cod?

Monkfish, hake or haddock all work well, as long as you pick fillets that are thick enough. Avoid thin fillets, which tend to flake apart in the sauce.

Can you use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt makes a thicker, creamier sauce. Whisk it well before adding it too, so it doesn't split.

How long does it take to make a doi maach with rice?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “easy”.

How many calories are in a doi maach with rice?

About 560 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does a doi maach with rice cost?

About €4.20 per serving, or €16.80 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains fish, lactose. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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