🍛 Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Chanchra – Steamed Hilsa Roe & Vegetable Mixed Curry 🐟🥦🔥

A delightful Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Chanchra is a unique dish combining the richness of Hilsa fish roe (Ilish Macher Dim) with the goodness of seasonal vegetables. This recipe brings together the traditional bhapa (steamed) technique with the flavorful chanchra (mixed vegetable curry), making it an absolute must-try for lovers of Bengali cuisine!

🛒 Ingredients

For Steaming the Hilsa Roe:

✔ Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp
✔ Mustard Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Green Chilies (slit) – 3-4
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp

For the Chanchra (Vegetable Mix):

✔ Pumpkin (diced) – ½ cup
✔ Potato (diced) – ½ cup
✔ Eggplant (Brinjal) (chopped) – ½ cup
✔ Spinach or Malabar Spinach (Pui Shaak) – 1 bunch (optional)
✔ Onion (chopped) – 1 medium
✔ Tomato (chopped) – 1 small
✔ Garlic Paste – 1 tsp
✔ Panch Phoron (Bengali 5-spice mix) – 1 tsp
✔ Dry Red Chilies – 2
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Steaming the Hilsa Roe (Bhapa Ilish Dim)

1️⃣ Clean and marinate the Hilsa Roe with turmeric, salt, mustard paste, and mustard oil.
2️⃣ Place it in a steel container or banana leaf, along with green chilies.
3️⃣ Steam in a traditional bhapa (steaming) method using a pressure cooker, double boiler, or rice pot for 10-12 minutes.
4️⃣ Once done, keep it aside.

2️⃣ Preparing the Chanchra (Vegetable Mix)

1️⃣ Heat 3 tbsp mustard oil in a deep pan or wok (kadai).
2️⃣ Add panch phoron and dry red chilies; let them crackle.
3️⃣ Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4️⃣ Stir in garlic paste, tomatoes, and cook until soft.
5️⃣ Add turmeric, red chili powder, and salt, then mix well.
6️⃣ Toss in the potatoes, pumpkin, and eggplant.
7️⃣ Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, then add a little water and cover to cook until vegetables turn soft.
8️⃣ If using spinach (pui shaak), add it at this stage and mix well.

3️⃣ Combining the Steamed Roe & Vegetables

1️⃣ Gently break the steamed Hilsa Roe into chunks and add it to the vegetable mix.
2️⃣ Stir carefully, ensuring the roe mixes well without breaking too much.
3️⃣ Drizzle some extra mustard oil for enhanced flavor.
4️⃣ Cover and let it simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Serve hot with steamed rice and experience the traditional taste of Bengal! 🍚🔥

📌 Footnote:

This exquisite dish is a tribute to Bengal’s love for Hilsa, often celebrated at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav. Experience the authentic flavors of Sundarban’s finest Ilish delicacies during this grand festival!

Bon Appétit! 🍴😋