Ilish Bhaja (Fried Hilsa). 🍽️🐟

🍴 Ingredients:

• 🐟 Hilsa Fish (Ilish) – 4 to 6 medium-sized pieces
• 🧂 Turmeric Powder – 1 tsp
• 🧂 Salt – To taste
• 🌶️ Red Chilli Powder – ½ tsp (optional)
• 🥄 Mustard Oil – For frying (Hilsa tastes best fried in mustard oil)

🍳 Cooking Process:

Step 1: Cleaning and Marinating

• Gently clean the Hilsa fish pieces in water, remove scales carefully without damaging the delicate flesh.
• Pat dry the fish slices with a clean cloth or kitchen paper.
• Marinate the fish with salt, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder (optional) for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Frying

• Heat sufficient mustard oil in a frying pan or wok until it’s smoking hot, then lower the heat to medium.
• Carefully place the marinated Hilsa slices into the hot oil.
• Fry each side gently for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid frequent flipping, as Hilsa is a tender fish and can break easily.

Step 3: Serving

• Once fried, carefully remove the Hilsa pieces onto absorbent kitchen paper to soak excess oil.
• Serve hot with steamed rice 🍚, green chillies 🌶️, and a slice of lemon 🍋.

🍽️ Tips for the Perfect Ilish Bhaja:

• Fry the fish in mustard oil for authentic flavor and aroma.
• Don’t overcook; frying too long can dry out the fish and spoil its delicate taste.
• Pair it with hot steamed rice, dal, or simple Bengali dishes for a fulfilling experience.

🥘 Enjoy your delectable and crispy Bengali Ilish Bhaja!

📌 Reference & Credit:

For more information and celebrations around the famous Hilsa fish delicacies, check out the annual Sundarban Hilsa festival, locally known as the Sundarban ilish utsav, where this iconic fish is celebrated with numerous culinary delights.