Ilish Macher Bhuna – Spicy Stir-fried Hilsa Recipe

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🍽️ Ilish Macher Bhuna – Spicy Stir-fried Hilsa Recipe

“Ilish Macher Bhuna” is an exquisite, spicy Bengali delicacy prepared by stir-frying the iconic Hilsa (Ilish) fish, offering aromatic flavors and a rich, savory experience.

🛒 Ingredients:

🐟 Fresh Hilsa (Ilish) Fish – 6-8 pieces
🌰 Onion – 2 medium-sized (finely chopped)
🍅 Tomato – 1 medium-sized (chopped)
🌶️ Green chilies – 4-5 (slit lengthwise)
🧄 Garlic paste – 1 tsp
🧅 Ginger paste – 1 tsp
🍋 Turmeric powder – 1 tsp
🌶️ Red chili powder – 1 tsp
🍛 Cumin powder – 1 tsp
🍲 Coriander powder – 1 tsp
🍃 Bay leaf – 2 pieces
🧂 Salt – according to taste
🌿 Fresh coriander leaves – handful (chopped)
🍈 Mustard oil – 4 tbsp
🍋 Lemon juice – 1 tsp (optional)

🍳 Cooking Process:

🧑‍🍳 Step-by-step Instructions:

Step 1: 🐟 Preparation

Wash the Hilsa fish pieces thoroughly.
Marinate the fish with turmeric and a little salt for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: 🍲 Initial Frying

Heat mustard oil in a frying pan until smoky, then reduce the flame to medium.
Gently fry the marinated fish pieces for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: 🍛 Cooking the Bhuna Masala

In the same oil, add bay leaves and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add chopped onions and fry until golden brown.
Next, mix in garlic and ginger paste, sauté for another 2 minutes.
Add tomatoes and green chilies; cook until tomatoes soften.

Step 4: 🌶️ Spice Mixture

Mix turmeric, cumin, coriander, and red chili powders into the pan.
Add salt to taste, sprinkle some water, and cook until the oil separates from the spices.

Step 5: 🔥 Final Stir-Frying

Gently place fried Hilsa fish pieces into the masala.
Stir carefully to coat the fish with the spices evenly.
Cook on low flame for about 5-7 minutes, allowing spices to penetrate the fish.

Step 6: 🌿 Garnishing and Serving

Sprinkle freshly chopped coriander leaves and lemon juice (optional).
Serve hot with steamed rice 🍚 or traditional Bengali pulao.

🥘 Enjoy Your Meal!

Dive into the authentic flavors of Bengal and savor the spicy, aromatic taste of Ilish Macher Bhuna. Ideal for special occasions or a delightful weekend feast.