Machher jhol (Bengali:মাছের ঝোল), machha jhola (Odia:ମାଛ ଝୋଳ), machhak jhor (Maithili:माछक झोर / Nepali:माछाको झोल), or machhari ke jhor (Bhojpuri:मछरी के झोर) is a traditional spicy fish curry in Nepalese cuisine (including Maithil cuisine and Bhojpuri cuisine), Indian cuisine (including Maithili cuisine and Bhojpuri cuisine forming part of Bihari cuisine, Bengali cuisine and Odia cuisine), and Bangladeshi cuisine (Bangla cuisine) in the eastern part of the Indian subcontinent. It is in the form of a very spicy stew or gravy that is served with rice. Machher jhol is liberally seasoned with turmeric, garlic, onions, and grated ginger and Indian spices. Potatoes are added to the curry as a thickening agent. Tomatoes are also added to impart the dish with a reddish color which is preferred by the people of Bengal.

The kinds of fish typically used in Odia and Bengali households are ilish or ilishi, rui, and catla, as well as small fish that are normally favoured over others.

Pabda machher jhol cooked with ginger, green chilies, tomato paste, and coconut milk

See also