Ilish Macher Bhuna – Spicy Stir-fried Hilsa Recipe

🍽️ Ilish Macher Bhuna – Spicy Stir-fried Hilsa Recipe

 

“Ilish Macher Bhuna” is an exquisite, spicy Bengali delicacy prepared by stir-frying the iconic Hilsa (Ilish) fish, offering aromatic flavors and a rich, savory experience.

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🛒 Ingredients:

• 🐟 Fresh Hilsa (Ilish) Fish – 6-8 pieces
• 🌰 Onion – 2 medium-sized (finely chopped)
• 🍅 Tomato – 1 medium-sized (chopped)
• 🌶️ Green chilies – 4-5 (slit lengthwise)
• 🧄 Garlic paste – 1 tsp
• 🧅 Ginger paste – 1 tsp
• 🍋 Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
• 🌶️ Red chili powder – 1 tsp
• 🍛 Cumin powder – 1 tsp
• 🍲 Coriander powder – 1 tsp
• 🍃 Bay leaf – 2 pieces
• 🧂 Salt – according to taste
• 🌿 Fresh coriander leaves – handful (chopped)
• 🍈 Mustard oil – 4 tbsp
• 🍋 Lemon juice – 1 tsp (optional)

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🍳 Cooking Process:

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: 🐟 Preparation

• Wash the Hilsa fish pieces thoroughly.
• Marinate the fish with turmeric and a little salt for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: 🍲 Initial Frying

• Heat mustard oil in a frying pan until smoky, then reduce the flame to medium.
• Gently fry the marinated fish pieces for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: 🍛 Cooking the Bhuna Masala

• In the same oil, add bay leaves and sauté for 30 seconds.
• Add chopped onions and fry until golden brown.
• Next, mix in garlic and ginger paste, sauté for another 2 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and green chilies; cook until tomatoes soften.

Step 4: 🌶️ Spice Mixture

• Mix turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili powders into the pan.
• Add salt to taste, sprinkle some water, and cook until the oil separates from the spices.

Step 5: 🔥 Final Stir-Frying

• Gently place fried Hilsa fish pieces into the masala.
• Stir carefully to coat the fish with the spices evenly.
• Cook on low flame for about 5-7 minutes, allowing spices to penetrate the fish.

Step 6: 🌿 Garnishing and Serving

• Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves and lemon juice (optional).
• Serve hot with steamed rice 🍚 or traditional Bengali pulao.

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🥘 Enjoy Your Meal!

Dive into the authentic flavors of Bengal and savor the spicy, aromatic taste of Ilish Macher Bhuna. Ideal for special occasions or a delightful weekend feast.

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📌 References & Credits:

Discover more about the famed Sundarban Hilsa festival, locally celebrated as Sundarban ilish utsav, where culinary traditions meet culture.

Recipe inspired by traditional Bengali cuisine.