🍽️ Doi Ilish – Hilsa Cooked in Yogurt Sauce

Doi Ilish is a cherished Bengali delicacy where Hilsa (Ilish) fish is gently cooked in creamy yogurt sauce, resulting in a rich, aromatic, and mildly spicy flavor.

📝 Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 🐟 Hilsa Fish (Ilish): 4-5 pieces (500 grams approx.)
• 🥛 Yogurt (Doi): 1 cup, thick and whisked smoothly
• 🧅 Onion Paste: 3 tablespoons
• 🧄 Garlic Paste: 1 teaspoon
• 🌶️ Green Chilies: 4-5 slit lengthwise
• 🌾 Mustard Oil: 3 tablespoons
• 🌱 Ginger Paste: 1 teaspoon
• 🌿 Turmeric Powder: 1 teaspoon
• 🌶️ Red Chili Powder: ½ teaspoon
• 🥄 Cumin Powder: ½ teaspoon
• 🍃 Bay Leaves: 2
• 🍯 Sugar: ½ teaspoon
• 🧂 Salt: to taste
• 💧 Water: ½ cup (warm)
• 🍃 Fresh Coriander Leaves (optional, for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process:

Step 1: Prepare the Fish 🐟

• Clean and wash Hilsa pieces gently. Pat dry.
• Marinate lightly with turmeric powder (½ tsp), salt, and set aside for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Frying the Fish 🍳

• Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches smoking point. Lower the heat.
• Gently fry marinated Hilsa pieces lightly for just 2 minutes on each side until golden. Be cautious as Hilsa is delicate. Set aside.

Step 3: Making Yogurt Mixture 🥣

• In a bowl, whisk yogurt till smooth.
• Mix turmeric powder (remaining), red chili powder, cumin powder, onion paste, ginger paste, garlic paste, sugar, and salt into the yogurt. Mix well until creamy.

Step 4: Cook the Curry 🍲

• Heat remaining mustard oil in the same pan.
• Add bay leaves and slit green chilies. Sauté lightly for aroma.
• Pour the yogurt-spice mixture into the pan carefully. Cook on medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the oil separates (about 5-6 minutes).
• Add warm water slowly to form a rich gravy. Stir gently and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 5: Finalize and Simmer 🥘

• Carefully place fried Hilsa pieces into the simmering gravy.
• Cover the pan, lower the heat, and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve 🍽️

• Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves (optional) and additional slit green chilies.
• Serve hot with steamed rice 🍚 to enjoy authentic Bengali flavors.

✨ Chef’s Special Tips:

• Hilsa fish is tender and delicate; handle gently while frying to prevent breaking.
• Always use fresh yogurt for a creamy and flavorful sauce.
• Traditionally mustard oil gives the authentic Bengali flavor; try not to substitute it.

Enjoy cooking your delicious Doi Ilish—a perfect taste of Bengal! 🌺🐟🍽️