Singhi macher jhol: The wonderful Bengali Cuisine and its Amazing health benefits

Indian catfish or “Singhi maach” as it is known in the local areas of Assam, West Bengal and Odisha, is a Bengal’s delicacy as well as for most of the localites of the above mentioned states.  

The local fish has been known for its numerous health benefits and have helped people recover from many problems. It is now time for us to actually go vocal for local and help the local food be known in the food sector rather than indulging ourselves in eating and creating a demand for foreign breeds. It can be accessed in any kind of fish farming as it is very easy to breed these fish. They survive on other fish waste, biodegradable waste and lower aquatic organisms therefore making it easy to take care of such fishes in a fish farm. 

Well those who grew up in Bengali household would one hundred percent agree to the fact that for every person in the house who have been diagnosed with low blood cells count, has been served this famous dish called “ Singhi macher jhol” as the medicine for increasing the blood cell count. 

Not only for treating cases like anemia, people have also been suggested to consume this dish in order to help in faster recovery of patients after surgery or any accidents. It is said that is not only helps in increasing the blood formation in the body but also helps in faster healing of wounds. 

Singhi Macher Jhol Health benefits

It is considered nutrient rich, provided that catfish is a decent source of different nutrients but low in calories. It can actually have a range of advantages. One 3.5-ounce (100-gram) catfish serving contains 105 calories for 32-39 percent of the total protein needs. One of the main sources of nutrition in the diet is protein. It is responsible for tissue and muscle construction and recovery, as well as acting as the building blocks of certain hormones, enzymes, and other molecules. For people who watch their calorie count but want to make sure they're receiving enough nutrients, this fish is a perfect choice. 

For the function in brain wellbeing, omega-3 fatty acids are renowned. Per week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests eating up to 8 fish or other seafood servings. For adults, one 3.5-ounce catfish fillet supplies 237 mg, or 15–20 percent of the Adequate Intake (AI).  

A single 3.5-ounce (100-gram) catfish serving contains up to 121 percent of vitamin B12 Domestic Value, which is deficient in many persons. 

Although many fish are rich in this nutrient, an especially excellent source is catfish. 

Adequate levels of vitamin B12 are related to many possible health effects, including better mental health, heart disease safety, and anemia prevention and care. 

However, further research on some of these advantages is required. 

Singhi Macher Jhol Recipe

Now moving on here is the recipe of the very famous “Singhi Macher Jhol”: 

• Dice up some raw bananas and soak them in turmeric water in order to prevent it from blackening.

• Next up marinate the Singhi fish with some turmeric and salt and keep it aside for 5-10 mins.

• Fry both the fish as well as the diced up bananas in some oil separately.

• Now in a pan add very little oil and add black cumin and let it crackle.

• Add some cumin paste and some freshly cracked black pepper.

• Add turmeric and salt and some green chillies.

• Stir fry the mixture for another 5 mins.

• After that add up the fried bananas and the fish.

• Then add half a cup of water and let it cook for another 7 mins and it is ready.

This is what has been prepared every time a family member falls sick and becomes weak. It is popularly believed in the Bengali community especially that having this fish recipe can help a person recover almost immediately. It helps in calming the pain in the body as well as cures any kind of physical injury faster. 

Well it is yet to be verified scientifically but the local experimental results are actually wonderful. Try it for yourself and let us know too if you can find any difference.