Bhapa Ilish – Authentic Steamed Hilsa Recipe

🍽️ Bhapa Ilish – Authentic Steamed Hilsa Recipe 🍽️

Bhapa Ilish, a traditional Bengali delicacy, involves steaming Hilsa fish in a flavorful mustard-coconut gravy. The dish is aromatic, creamy, and known for its exquisite taste, preserving the natural essence of the beloved Hilsa fish (Ilish Maach).

🛒 Ingredients:

• 🐟 Hilsa Fish (Ilish) – 4-5 pieces (medium-sized, cleaned and washed)
• 🥥 Grated Coconut – 3 tablespoons
• 🌶️ Green Chilies – 5-6 slit
• 🟡 Mustard Paste – 3 tablespoons (combine black & yellow mustard seeds)
• 🧂 Salt – to taste
• 🥄 Turmeric Powder – ½ teaspoon
• 🥣 Plain Yogurt (Curd) – 2 tablespoons (well beaten)
• 🍋 Mustard Oil – 3 tablespoons
• 🍃 Fresh Cilantro/Coriander – for garnishing
• 🍋 Lemon Juice – 1 teaspoon (optional)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Process:

Step 1: Preparation of Mustard Paste

• Soak black and yellow mustard seeds (2 tbsp each) in warm water for about 20 minutes.
• Grind soaked mustard seeds into a smooth paste with a pinch of salt and 2 green chilies. Set aside.

Step 2: Marination of Fish

• Clean Hilsa fish pieces gently and pat dry.
• Marinate fish pieces with salt, turmeric powder, and lemon juice. Let sit for 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the Sauce

• In a bowl, combine the mustard paste, grated coconut, beaten yogurt, and mustard oil.
• Mix thoroughly to form a creamy sauce. Adjust salt to taste.

Step 4: Steaming Preparation

• Take a stainless-steel tiffin box or heat-proof container.
• Spread a little mustard oil at the base. Place the marinated Hilsa pieces inside.
• Pour the mustard-coconut sauce generously over the fish.
• Add slit green chilies on top, and drizzle another tablespoon of mustard oil.

Step 5: Steaming the Fish

• Securely close the tiffin/container with a tight lid.
• Steam cook: Place the container into a steamer or large pan half-filled with hot water.
• Steam on medium flame for 15-20 minutes until the fish turns tender.

Step 6: Serving

• Turn off heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
• Open the lid carefully; garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with steamed rice (Basmati or Gobindobhog recommended).

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Best enjoyed with fragrant steamed rice.
• Accompany with slices of lemon and extra green chilies for authentic Bengali flavor.

📝 Chef’s Special Tips:

• Fresh Hilsa fish enhances flavor drastically.
• Mustard oil is a must for an authentic taste; avoid substitutes if possible.
• Avoid over-steaming, as Hilsa fish cooks relatively fast.

Enjoy the authentic Bengali delicacy, Bhapa Ilish, rich in aroma, taste, and heritage. 🍲✨