Ilish Bharta – Mashed Hilsa Recipe

🐟 Ilish Bharta – Mashed Hilsa Recipe

Ilish Bharta (Mashed Hilsa) is a traditional Bengali delicacy famous for its aromatic flavors, delightful spiciness, and unique taste derived from freshly-caught Hilsa fish. Let’s prepare this authentic Bengali recipe step-by-step!

🛒 Ingredients:

• 🐠 Fresh Hilsa Fish (Ilish) – 500 gm, cleaned and cut into pieces
• 🧅 Onion – 2 medium-sized, finely chopped
• 🌶️ Green Chilies – 4-5, finely chopped
• 🧄 Garlic Cloves – 6-8, finely minced
• 🧅 Shallots (small onions) – 6-8 pieces, sliced thinly (optional, enhances flavor)
• 🍃 Fresh Coriander – handful, finely chopped
• 🥄 Mustard Oil – 3-4 tbsp (essential for authentic flavor)
• 🧂 Salt – as per taste
• 🌶️ Dry Red Chili – 2-3 pieces (optional, for extra spiciness)
• 🍋 Lemon Juice – 1 tsp (optional, enhances flavor)

🍳 Cooking Process:

Step 1 – Steam or Boil Hilsa Fish:

• Gently steam or boil the cleaned Hilsa fish pieces with a pinch of salt and 1 cup water for about 8-10 minutes until tender. Drain water and keep the fish aside to cool.

Step 2 – Debone and Mash:

• Carefully remove the bones and skin from the cooked Hilsa. Mash the fish gently by hand or fork until you have a smooth, fine texture.

Step 3 – Prepare Spiced Mixture:

• Heat mustard oil in a pan until smoky hot.
• Add minced garlic, sliced shallots, chopped onions, chopped green chilies, and dried red chilies.
• Sauté the mixture until golden brown and aromatic.

Step 4 – Combine Fish & Spices:

• Add the mashed Hilsa fish into the pan. Mix thoroughly with the spiced onion mixture.
• Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes on medium heat, stirring frequently.

Step 5 – Final Touches:

• Turn off the heat, sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves, and drizzle lemon juice (optional).
• Mix gently, cover, and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• Serve hot with steamed rice 🍚 or Bengali flatbread (luchi or paratha) 🫓.
• Garnish with extra green chilies 🌶️ or lemon wedges 🍋 as per taste.

📝 Tips from the Chef:

• Always use fresh Hilsa fish for the authentic taste.
• Mustard oil is essential—avoid substitutions to retain original flavors.
• Adjust green chilies according to your spice tolerance.

🔗 Footnote:

Enjoy the authentic taste of Ilish Bharta at the upcoming Sundarban Hilsa festival (Sundarban ilish utsav) and celebrate Bengal’s culinary heritage with freshly caught Hilsa!

Recipe inspired by traditional Bengali culinary practices.