Which specialized, seasonal fish is known for having a soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, requiring a light cooking hand?
Answer
Pabda (Ompok bimaculatus)
Pabda (*Ompok bimaculatus*) is specifically mentioned as one of the smaller, often bottom-dwelling fish incorporated for lighter or more delicate preparations, especially in warmer weather. Its defining characteristic is its exceptionally soft texture, often described as almost melt-in-your-mouth. Because of this fragility, the preparation requires a very light hand during the cooking process to ensure the fish does not disintegrate prematurely, often allowing for cooking without requiring the fish to be fried to a hard crisp beforehand.
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