Mouri Katla Recipe and a Troubled Tale

Have you ever had Mouri Katla? I am a fish lover and must have had hundreds of preparations of Katla Fish which is a common river fish popular in East India- particularly Bengal. And yet, this preparation of Mouri Katla is very new to me. Mouri is another name for saunf or fennel seeds and is a popular spice used as a mouth freshener.

This recipe comes courtesy an aunt (kakima) who is a very accomplished cook with a clear eye for detail. I have enjoyed many of her fabulous traditional Bengali dishes like mocha, thor, ilish maachher matha diye kochur saag, etc.

Truly some of these dishes are so painstakingly prepared that not getting them right is quite heart breaking. We benefit from the many years of their experience which is expertise through sheer hard work and dedication over the years.

Recipe Courtesy Malancha Dasgupta

99 posts- no Mouri Katla

I have really missed a few important things in life. Here’s me admitting to elders and trying to fill in a few gaps. A little bit about the teacher here. My aunt is an accomplished dancer and dance teacher as well.

Little back story, I used to learn an Indian classical dance form called Odissi as a child. Unwillingly, I must admit. Forced to join the class which I preferred over the other alternative of music lessons.

I gave up that dance practice and never revisited after I turned 14 or 15 perhaps. But I have always admired those who are able to continue with the practice even in their adulthood. It takes a combination of passion, discipline and commitment to do that especially when we grapple with the other demands on our time as adults.

Over the years you may say that becomes an expression of true love. Any artist’s first love is that time spent honing the skill, the art and getting lost in the development of the creation.

Slow Learner with Sharp teacher

What I think is more difficult- is to teach others.

When I was struggling with multiple health issues, I got many encouraging words from elders. At that time, I thought of restarting my learning of Odissi under my aunt (kakima).

While we were in different cities, she was kind enough to try to teach me through online classes. Sharing a lot of her own time and energy.

As it so happened, I was running around with project deadlines and would usually come to class unprepared. After a few of those classes, I felt rather unworthy of pursuing this art form.

I know, it sounds weird, but doing that kind of a half-assed job, not enjoying it and taking up so much of her time indicated to me that I wasn’t really committed to it. I gave my apologies and discontinued.

But when I revisited her this time, I was trying to learn to cook something. Now I have seriously spent time trying to learn this regularly.

Dedicated to Shared Resources

Mouri Katla as narrated by her was a bit of a self-taught recipe with her own take on the ingredients and process. She’s a person who has taught herself many things albeit with the help of gurus around.

I was surprised to hear that she actually learnt Kathak and Bharatnatyam as well. We all knew about her proficiency in Odissi.

When I questioned whether it was difficult to switch between those different dance forms she said something interesting. The learning of taal matra (tempo/rhythm sequence) and following the Guru’s instructions was common. That’s where the training in one form helps the other.

I guess, those who practice music or painting can relate to this. We do see how artists switch between the various schools/gharana in a similar fashion.

I don’t have any particular school now other than the school of life. What is interesting is that this school is a hard and unpredictable one. We may have a semblance of control but in reality, it’s a learning and acceptance of your own minimal control.

Fishy Gharana of Mouri Katla

Does this sound like a weird excuse? A fishy excuse from a student from no particular gharana?

I compare this fear of lack of control to my immense phobia of heights which I tried to overcome through different ways. My first attempt was bungee jumping and then it was walking across rickety bridges.

The trick was in the breathwork. If you are just focusing on that- you forgot about the rest of the world outside which was the source of your fear.

Truth is- I am not successful in that when there is a noticeable noise or disturbance which is meant to hinder or distract. That’s the reality of life.

We have only a few moments of peace to pursue our sadhana (practice). Early morning is good for some. For others it maybe late night when things are quieter. For most people it is in little intervals through the day. Perhaps when they are able to take a short walk or find a quiet corner to be by themselves.

Delicious Mouri Katla – a Surprise Choice

Mouri Katla has a weird combination of coconut milk with saunf. Saunf is actually used a lot in Kashmiri cuisine in India. Coconut milk is mostly used in coastal areas. And then we have the use of Katla fish which is a river fish.

Shall we call it conceptually a perfect blend of the hills, the sea and the plains/forests? This is my reverential take on a simple dish.

For most people, we don’t really put so much thought when we eat a particular food item. I myself comment usually on the flavour and the presentation of the food. Like my mother immediately asked for some salt because she found the preparation with less salt.

Salt is a tricky one as we all know. I personally prefer it on the lower side as that can always be adjusted. And yet here I am talking more about the thought put behind this dish in a masterstroke of decisiveness.

I attribute it to my aunt’s careful practice of maintaining various circles of relationships.

She has lived many years in Lucknow, Kolkata and Delhi amongst very difficult people (elders). Raised two lovely daughters- one is an artist (mother of 1 son) and the other is a working professional in Mumbai (pet parent). Both have inherited traits from their parents.

Balancing between differences- not for all

At this point let me bring in my uncle as well into this narrative though he wasn’t present during our lunch meetup.

He worked for many years as a well-regarded IR/HR professional and leader in different multinational and Indian companies. With a a career switch later, he joined as a college professor, and the company of young students perhaps keeps him positive and hopeful. Well, we don’t actually call this retirement- he is still actively working.

What I learn from both of them (my uncle and aunt) is that it is very important to have your own worldview. That is cultivated through careful nurturing of your own spaces.

Sometimes, it leads to dissonance with others when your worldviews clash. It’s advisable to take a step back and review.

I don’t have a problem with learning from others but do others understand the reasons why we sometimes step back?

My aunt was kind enough to encourage my work and try to hear a little more about our online art store. Since her daughter is also an accomplished painter/artist, I hope to have a few more to feature here.

Many haven’t tried Mouri Katla- a Reminder

I met another uncle in Kolkata before leaving. He narrated how easy it is for him to keep his boundaries with his close family members. He has lived that way since childhood. And he pursues his career in Finance and Accountancy.

On the other hand, it is difficult for him to share and be open with a few elders. That was exactly the opposite for me. Learning to say “No” was difficult in an environment where we were brought up to please elders. And yet I was goaded repeatedly to do so.

Now, I just do what is necessary. Taking care of my mother is necessary during a period where our family has seen a few deep cuts.

Her elder sister (my aunt- Mashi) passed away suddenly while I was in Kolkata. I’ve brought my mother along for being with our family here in Bangalore (Bengaluru).

It’s strange- many of them seem to be happy. Perhaps the prevalent worldview is to celebrate her full life and the fact that she didn’t have to suffer much because of her sudden demise. She was just shy of 80. Now, we have a family reunion where I have to hold back my grief.

Fortunate Foodie Meanders in between

I am affected because I felt close to my aunt. While I did not agree with her on many things in life, I could always be frank with her. She helped me to view things differently when I felt like I was abused by my own mother or brother.

My mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder many years ago. She has been on medication off and on in her life. Both my brother and I have borne the brunt of her idiosyncrasies of extreme neglect alternated with over compensatory behaviors. Now at her old age, she is prone to rambling on with us despondently. And then laughing/enjoying with others. We have told her multiple times that we accept her for who she is, she still insists upon narrating excuses.

She has always resented us – when we were babies she wanted to leave us with our father. And then go to commit suicide during phases of deep depression. I am quite aware of her tendencies. Many of these conversations are now her own attention seeking or self-soothing mechanisms.

It’s a roller coaster ride trying to manage her with her wild mood swings. I am really not suitable as a caregiver here but there’s not much choice.

With fewer people left, she is clinging on to her concept of self from yesteryears. Narrating a worldview which is prone to rapid changes depending upon who has made her happy recently.

She has only a few more years left I guess, so I am trying my best to be there somewhere for her. Usually at home (where there’s no space for me), its sitting in a balcony to let her carry on with her dramatics indoors with my brother, the maids, driver or other friends on the phone. Or if here at my home, it’s a constant tussle to keep her safe, entertained and well rested.

A Pyrrhic Victory is better than a Fishy Loss

Here’s a mind bender for you.

If I propose an outing, she will change or modify it. I know it and yet I propose. I let her do her little acts. Only when she assaults me multiple times, I speak up.

When we got the news that my aunt (Mashi) passed away, I immediately told Ma that she must come with me to Bangalore. She said no. “What will I do there now. She’s already dead.” And then went on with her phone and conversations with others.

I still insisted and then she modified her stance. Sometimes, I really have to push things to get her to react like a human being.

Said, “Yes. Uncle (Mesho) may need our support there” with a sudden changeover to graceful queen now.

After many dramatics over ticket booking, once it was all done, she was happily telling others she is going to Bangalore. Later she denied, she ever said she doesn’t have to go to Bangalore.

I like her owning up to the decision taken, so I am not going to remind her of her contradictory statements. I know if things go wrong, I will be blamed anyways by her and my brother.

Perhaps that was the intent anyways. Not taking ownership of decisions when things go wrong is an old trick.

Real Stories, real kitchens and real life

Let’s just say, I am always “Khudiram Basu“.

Gender switch is easy for her- pretending to be a man with women and a woman with men. Not so easy for me. So let me dispense with the logic of being “babu” or “mamoni” as per her convenience. Heard about “Abhinay“ in Odissi dance practice?

Perhaps my brother knows more but pretends not to know. Just like my husband.

Men ducking from responsibilities seems to be an affliction encouraged by mothers who love emasculated sons. And sons who pretend to be lord of the manor born while doing nothing for their wives or sisters is another peculiar reality.

As I said earlier- do heap your rubbish here- been used as a dustbin forever.

Here in Bangalore, I am at the mercies of family, friends and outside help. I try to work with them and work around their needs and schedules. It’s been the same story everywhere.

Powerlessness is a peculiar thing- I can only say no when it is absolutely necessary.

And yet I heard accusations of how I was difficult to work with from others. Perhaps, I’m a misfit.

Creative leap of Fishy Taster of Mouri Katla

So, here’s my dedication of this unique standalone dish which deserves its own space. I feel people should eat it calmly to feel the flavours and see if they discern the quietness of it.

Very different from the pungent kick from mustard fish. And a richer feel with the coconut milk which is more suitable for those who are sensitive to dairy products. It’s not that spicy but quite fragrant.

I am remembering my other attempts to create something to prevent a bigger loss. There are somethings which are beyond my control unfortunately, but I try.

For those who are familiar with sniff tests in India, you may compare it to a soap called Jo. It has floral fruity notes in plenty. Perhaps there are infinite other farfetched inaccurate similes or associations possible here!

I may be biased here since my aunt loves travelling to Ranchi often where we may find this soap. Peculiar how the mind plays games with us leading to such random connections. We call it the “monkey mind” syndrome.

Now, please don’t skip the reading and start confusing fishcakes or cakes with soap cakes.

Try Mouri Katla instead. Here’s me trying to follow her recipe to the best of my ability. And I remember all my friends and family who are not there to help me share this with others.

Method over Madness- Prepping for Mouri Katla

She actually sent the written recipe ahead of our lunch date which was really great. I often struggle to get the recipes later from many aunts.

I’ve adjusted it with a bit of tomatoes. It tastes different from hers. And yet I did it because I think it balances the flavours nicely. It loses a bit of the quiet subtlety of the original dish but lifts up the overall flavour profile. Perhaps meant for many of us who like to balance sweet with a little bit of sour.

A reminder- this is against the traditional take on not using nightshade vegetables.

Tomato (funnily called bilaiti begun– foreign brinjal) is now quite a native vegetable. I’m not going archaic and pedantic on this anymore. The choice to modify an original is all yours.

Let’s get to the fish recipe now.

Here’s my personal disclaimer- I liked it the first time. Liked it again the second time with the modification. My friends complimented it. But I still didn’t love it. Am I going to make it again? Absolutely! 🙂

Some of my friends had the fish curry with me and they helped me to imagine this dish with other ingredients like chicken, lauki kofta or paneer as well.

Hope some of you try it and do share your comments, feedback and queries if any.

Footnote

I got 99 problems, but I can’t remember one

Have you mocked elders with memory losses?

Perhaps tunnel vision is a problem with many

Some can read numbers better

Others read people better.

What if I can read tea leaves better?

Ridiculous claims are best left alone!

These tea leaves are used in salads

In Myanmar and other places.

My younger innocent self looks up

Towards the heavens in disbelief

The Gods must be crazy about Fishy Fables.

Reminder about drivers in KL with long stories

About how they rescued sisters from attacks

From an enemy king with a crooked eye.

I was so fascinated by the tale

Little did I realise my journey was pleasant

And yet the car was not.

It often happens that way for many

When you look back upon little moments

It’s how you perceived the other through their own narrative

And yet got no corroboration

From the actual affected native.

Melting Lemon Drop 08.02.2026