🍛 Hilsa Curry in Tomato Sauce – Tangy & Flavorful Delight 🐟🍅

A delicious Hilsa (Ilish) fish curry prepared in a rich, tangy tomato-based gravy, this dish brings out the natural flavors of the fish while adding a mild sweetness from ripe tomatoes. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, this Hilsa Curry in Tomato Sauce is a must-try for seafood lovers!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Fish:

✔ Hilsa Fish (Ilish Machh) – 4 pieces
✔ Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp
✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp

For the Tomato Sauce Curry:

✔ Ripe Tomatoes (chopped/pureed) – 3 large
✔ Onion Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Garlic Paste – 1 tsp
✔ Ginger Paste – 1 tsp
✔ Green Chilies (slit) – 3-4
✔ Cumin Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
✔ Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
✔ Sugar – ½ tsp (optional)
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Water – ½ cup
✔ Fresh Coriander (for garnish) – 1 tbsp

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Preparing the Hilsa Fish

1️⃣ Wash the Hilsa fish pieces gently and pat dry.
2️⃣ Marinate with turmeric and salt.
3️⃣ Heat 3 tbsp mustard oil in a pan until it smokes, then lower the heat.
4️⃣ Lightly fry the fish for 2 minutes per side and set aside.

2️⃣ Making the Tomato Sauce Curry

1️⃣ In the same oil, add onion paste and sauté until golden brown.
2️⃣ Stir in ginger-garlic paste, cook until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft and pulpy.
4️⃣ Mix in cumin powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well.
5️⃣ Add ½ cup water and let the gravy simmer for 5 minutes.

3️⃣ Bringing it Together

1️⃣ Gently place the fried Hilsa fish into the tomato gravy.
2️⃣ Cover and cook for 5 more minutes on low heat.
3️⃣ Add slit green chilies and a pinch of sugar for balance.
4️⃣ Turn off the heat and let it rest for a minute.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Serve hot with steamed rice, garnished with fresh coriander. 🌿🍚
✅ Enjoy the perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors!

📌 Footnote:

Experience the best Hilsa delicacies at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also called Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where authentic Bengali Hilsa dishes take center stage!

Bon Appétit! 🍴😋