Tenga

Tenga literally translated means ‘Tangy ’ in Assamese.
It is a light curry unique to Assam and is generally eaten towards the end of the meal .There are many variations of this curry. However,the key ingredient is a souring agent, giving it a tart tangy taste.Commonly used souring agents are Elephant apple(Outenga),Lemon(Nemutenga),Wild Mangosteen (Thekera) etc.


NOTE:TENGA is only served during LUNCH,in ASSAM.

Maasor Tenga

(Sour Fish Curry with tomatoes)

500 G fish,cut into 4-5 pieces
2-3 ripe tomatoes,chopped
1/8 tsp of fenugreek seeds
1 tsp turmeric
salt according to taste
1 green chili(optional)
2 tsp lemon juice
3 tablespoon mustard oil.

Wash and cut fishes into pieces, pat dry and smear with salt and turmeric powder and leave aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
Heat oil in a frying pan . Fry the fish lightly till just golden brown and set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp of  oil in a deep pan.
Splutter the seeds and  green chillies (optional) in oil and when the spluttering stops, add chopped tomatoes and cook until thick and pulpy .
Next add  salt and turmeric.Stir well and add  2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
Add the fish, lower the heat to let it simmer for a few minutes.
Add lime juice (according to taste) and remove from the fire.
Serve with boiled rice, green chillies and lemon wedges.

PHOTO OF MAASOR TENGA HERE

Thekera dia Tenga
(Sour Fish Curry with Wild Mangosteen)
500 G fish,cut into 4-5 pieces
1 large ridge gourd grated
1/4 tsp fenugreek seeds
1 tsp turmeric
salt according to taste
3 tablespoon mustard oil.
3 - 4 pieces Dry Mangosteen (Thekera) soaked in water or
1 cup of Boiled Elephant Apple Juice

Wash and cut fishes into pieces, pat dry and smear with salt and turmeric powder and leave aside for 10 to 15 minutes.
Heat oil in a frying pan . Fry the fish lightly till just golden brown and set aside.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a deep pan.Splutter the seeds.Add ridge gourd,salt and turmeric; cover and cook for 2 - 3 mins. Add fish pieces, boiling water and simmer for another 10 mins until cooked
Add thekera and cook further 3-4 mins.Remove from fire.
Serve with boiled rice, green chillies and lemon wedges.

FOR Tenga With Outenga

(Sour Fish Curry with Elephant apple)
1 Elephant apple(Outenga)cut to slices and boiled with 2 cups water
1 boiled potato,mashed

Follow the recipe above but replace the gourd with potato and Thekera with Outenga juice

Photo of Tenga With Outenga