🍛 Ilish Macher Matha Ghonto – Hilsa Head Mixed Vegetable Curry 🐟🥦🥔

A Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Matha Ghonto is a flavorful mixed vegetable curry prepared with Hilsa fish head. The richness of Hilsa infuses the vegetables with an irresistible aroma and taste, making it a must-try dish, especially during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Hilsa Head Preparation:

✔ Hilsa Fish Head (Ilish Macher Matha) – 1 (cut into halves)
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp
✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp

For the Curry:

✔ Potato (cubed) – 1 medium
✔ Pumpkin (cubed) – ½ cup
✔ Eggplant (cubed) – ½ cup
✔ Cauliflower Florets – ½ cup
✔ Tomato (chopped) – 1 medium
✔ Onion (chopped) – 1 medium
✔ Ginger Paste – 1 tsp
✔ Garlic Paste – 1 tsp
✔ Green Chilies (slit) – 3-4
✔ Bay Leaf – 1
✔ Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
✔ Coriander Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Garam Masala Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Water – ½ cup

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Frying the Hilsa Head

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa Head thoroughly and pat dry.
2️⃣ Marinate with turmeric and salt for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Heat 3 tbsp mustard oil in a pan until smoking hot.
4️⃣ Fry the Hilsa Head until golden brown on both sides.
5️⃣ Remove and keep aside.

2️⃣ Preparing the Vegetable Base

1️⃣ In the same oil, add bay leaf and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2️⃣ Add chopped onions, sauté until golden brown.
3️⃣ Stir in ginger-garlic paste, cook until raw smell disappears.
4️⃣ Add tomato and cook until soft.
5️⃣ Mix in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well.
6️⃣ Add all chopped vegetables and mix well with the masala.
7️⃣ Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3️⃣ Adding the Hilsa Head & Final Touch

1️⃣ Crush the fried Hilsa Head slightly and add to the vegetables.
2️⃣ Pour ½ cup water and mix everything gently.
3️⃣ Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
4️⃣ Sprinkle garam masala powder, add slit green chilies, and give a final stir.
5️⃣ Turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Serve hot with steamed rice and savor the authentic taste of Ilish Macher Matha Ghonto! 🍚🔥

📌 Footnote:

This traditional dish is a highlight of the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where you can experience the finest Hilsa delicacies amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Sundarbans.

Bon Appétit! 🍴😋