Ilish Macher Malai Curry – Hilsa Curry with Coconut Milk

🐟 Ilish Macher Malai Curry – Hilsa Curry with Coconut Milk

Ilish Macher Malai Curry is a rich, aromatic Bengali delicacy that combines fresh Hilsa fish with creamy coconut milk, delivering a divine culinary experience. Known for its unique flavor, Hilsa fish holds a special place in Bengali cuisine and culture.

🛒 Ingredients:

• Hilsa fish (Ilish) – 6-8 pieces, cleaned and sliced
• Coconut Milk – 2 cups (freshly extracted or canned)
• Mustard Oil – 4 tablespoons
• Green Chilies – 3-4 slit lengthwise
• Turmeric Powder – 1 teaspoon
• Red Chili Powder – ½ teaspoon
• Cumin Powder – 1 teaspoon
• Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) – ½ teaspoon
• Bay Leaves – 2
• Salt – to taste
• Sugar – ½ teaspoon (optional, enhances taste)
• Ginger Paste – 1 tablespoon
• Onion Paste – 2 tablespoons
• Garam Masala Powder – ½ teaspoon
• Fresh Coriander Leaves – handful (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process:

Step 1: Preparation & Marination

• Clean the Hilsa pieces and lightly marinate them with turmeric powder and salt. Keep aside for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Frying the Fish

• Heat mustard oil in a pan until smoking hot, reduce flame to medium.
• Fry Hilsa pieces lightly (do not deep fry) for just 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Curry

• In the same pan, add nigella seeds (kalonji) and bay leaves. Allow to crackle briefly.
• Add onion paste and ginger paste; sauté till golden brown.
• Now, add turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and sugar. Stir well and cook the spices on low flame until oil separates from the sides.

Step 4: Adding Coconut Milk

• Slowly add coconut milk, gently stir, and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on low flame.

Step 5: Cooking the Hilsa

• Add the fried Hilsa pieces gently into the simmering gravy.
• Add slit green chilies and sprinkle garam masala powder. Cover and cook for about 7-8 minutes on low heat until the fish is fully cooked and gravy thickens slightly.

Step 6: Finishing Touch

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and a few drops of mustard oil for authentic flavor.
• Turn off the heat, let it rest covered for 5 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot with steamed white rice or Bengali pulao to relish the authentic flavors fully.

📌 Chef’s Tips:

• For the best taste, choose fresh Hilsa, known for its distinctive aroma.
• Adjust green chilies and spice level according to your preference.

📖 Reference and Credits:

Enjoy the authentic Bengali experience at the annual Sundarban Hilsa festival, also popularly known as Sundarban ilish utsav, celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Bengal.

🌐 Recipe inspired by traditional Bengali cooking methods and flavors.