Maharashtrian · serves 2

Bombil Fry

Bombay duck in a rava crust. Fifteen minutes and a Maharashtrian coastal classic.

20 min Some work Non-vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 8 bombil (or any soft fish fillets)
  • 1/2 cup rava
  • 2 tbsp rice flour
  • 2 tsp kashmiri chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 lemon
  • Oil to shallow fry

Method

  1. Bombil holds a lot of water. Press each one between paper or a cloth for 10 minutes before you start — this is the whole battle.
  2. Rub with ginger-garlic, chilli powder, turmeric, lemon and salt. 10 minutes only.
  3. Press firmly into a mix of rava and rice flour on both sides.
  4. Shallow fry in hot oil, 3 minutes a side, without moving them.
  5. They should be crisp outside and soft inside.
  6. Lemon and raw onion. Eat immediately, they go limp fast.

Questions people ask about Bombil Fry

How long does Bombil Fry take?

About 20 minutes from starting to sitting down, and it is a bit of work. That is start-to-finish, so it works on a weeknight when you have not planned anything.

What is the one thing to get right in Bombil Fry?

Bombil holds a lot of water. Press each one between paper or a cloth for 10 minutes before you start — this is the whole battle.

What can I use instead of fish in Bombil Fry?

Use any firm white fish, or paneer for a vegetarian version. Avoid delicate fish in anything that needs stirring.

Can I make Bombil Fry ahead of time?

Not really. This one relies on being crisp, and crisp does not survive the fridge. Prepare the components ahead if you like, but cook it just before eating.

Can I make Bombil Fry vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the fish with king oyster mushrooms torn into chunks, or firm tofu pressed dry. Both want a hard sear first, and both go in at the very end, because neither needs more than a couple of minutes.

What do you serve with Bombil Fry?

Bhakri or roti, with raw onion and lemon. It serves two as written. Double everything to feed four, but use a wider pan so the food still browns rather than steams.

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