A lot of us depend on fish for our lean protein and omega 3 fatty acids. It is nutritious and every health-seeker’s choice of protein. That aside, fish is delicious and lends itself to every kind of cuisine and flavour, making it a big hit anyway.
When it comes to choosing fish, most people lean towards saltwater fish like seer, pomfret, mackerel, etc. But the seas and oceans aren’t the only sources of fish in India. Our rivers are teeming with fish too! Especially now that the Fishing Ban is on across the coasts of the country, it is a great time to explore freshwater fish.
If you’re new to freshwater fish and unsure about trying it out, read on. These pointers just might change your mind.
Mild taste
Freshwater fish have a slightly different taste when compared to saltwater fish. They’re milder in flavour so they taste less fishy. If you’re new to seafood or aren’t crazy about the strong flavour of saltwater fish, choose one of these. You’ll still get all the nutrients, without the fishy taste. If you’re cooking with freshwater fish, you’ll also enjoy how easily it absorbs flavour so you can cook any cuisine with it!
Extremely Nutritious
All fish is low in fat and high in protein, making it a great choice for a healthy, wholesome meal. If you’re looking to eat meat while being healthier, both saltwater and freshwater fish are a good option. Apart from that, they also tend to have higher amounts of calcium, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids when compared with saltwater fish, so go on and give it a try!
Perennially Available
Today, you can find fresh fish almost anywhere, even if you don’t live near the coast or a river. Saltwater fish is available for most of the year, except during breeding season. Two months during every monsoon are declared as fishing holidays in an attempt to curb overfishing, and to allow saltwater fish to breed in peace. This ban doesn’t affect freshwater fish though, so if you’re craving fish in the monsoon, freshwater fish might be your best bet.
Here is a recipe using the freshwater fish Basa: Achari Fish Tikka Skewers. Slightly spicy, slightly tangy, Achari Fish Tikka is a delicious start to a meal. It can be served as a side too. This recipe has been made using Boneless Basa – a freshwater fish that is available year-round.
Achari Fish Tikka Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Mustard Oil
- 250 g Basa Cubes
- ½ Lemon (juiced)
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- ¼ cup yogurt (hung)
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 2 tsp pickle masala
- 1 tbsp Garam masala powder
- ⅛ tsp turmeric powder
- salt (to taste)
- red chilli powder (to taste)
- Handful of coriander leaves
- 5-6 Curry leaves
Instructions
- Marinate the fish with lemon juice and ginger garlic paste and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients (except the leaves) to the fish and let it marinate for an hour.
- Thread the fish pieces on to wooden skewers and shallow-fry in a non-stick pan, turning occasionally to avoid burning. Or place fish on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and cook in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 minutes or till done.
- Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and fried curry leaves, and serve with a yogurt dip.
Ready to try out freshwater fish? Explore our range of freshwater fish like Rohu, Catla, Pabda, and more – always fresh, never frozen, completely cleaned and prepped, and packed hygienically so you don’t have to worry about spillage and unwanted smells. ORDER NOW!