🐟 Ilish Macher Biryani – Hilsa Fish Biryani 🍛

Ilish Macher Biryani is a delightful fusion of the royal biryani and the exquisite taste of Hilsa (Ilish) fish, a prized delicacy in Bengal. This aromatic dish combines fragrant rice, rich spices, and the unique flavor of Hilsa, making it a must-try for seafood and biryani lovers alike!

🌿 Ingredients

For Marinating the Fish:

✅ 4 pieces of fresh Hilsa (Ilish) fish 🐟
✅ 1/2 cup plain yogurt
✅ 1 tbsp mustard oil
✅ 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
✅ 1 tsp red chili powder
✅ 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
✅ 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
✅ Salt to taste

For Biryani Rice:

✅ 2 cups Basmati rice 🍚
✅ 4 cups water
✅ 1 bay leaf
✅ 4 green cardamoms
✅ 4 cloves
✅ 1-inch cinnamon stick
✅ 1 tsp ghee
✅ Salt to taste

For Cooking the Biryani:

✅ 2 large onions (thinly sliced, fried to golden brown – Birista) 🧅
✅ 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
✅ 1/2 cup thick yogurt
✅ 1 tbsp mustard paste
✅ 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
✅ 1 tsp red chili powder
✅ 1/2 tsp garam masala powder
✅ 1 tsp sugar
✅ 1/2 cup warm milk infused with saffron strands
✅ 2 tbsp rose water & kewra water
✅ 2 tbsp mustard oil + ghee
✅ Fresh coriander & mint leaves 🌿

🔥 Cooking Process

Step 1: Marinate the Hilsa Fish

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa fish pieces and pat dry.
2️⃣ In a bowl, mix yogurt, mustard oil, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, and ginger-garlic paste.
3️⃣ Coat the Hilsa fish in this marinade and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Biryani Rice

1️⃣ Rinse Basmati rice thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes.
2️⃣ Boil water in a pot; add bay leaf, cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and ghee.
3️⃣ Add the soaked rice and cook until 70% done (grains should still be firm). Drain and keep aside.

Step 3: Cook the Hilsa Gravy

1️⃣ Heat mustard oil & ghee in a pan. Fry the marinated Hilsa fish for 2 minutes on each side (light fry to avoid breaking). Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ In the same oil, sauté ginger-garlic paste till fragrant.
3️⃣ Add fried onions (Birista), yogurt, mustard paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and sugar. Cook well.
4️⃣ Add the lightly fried Hilsa fish and gently mix. Cook for 5 minutes on low heat.

Step 4: Layering the Biryani

1️⃣ In a heavy-bottomed biryani pot, spread a layer of Hilsa gravy.
2️⃣ Add a layer of half-cooked rice.
3️⃣ Sprinkle saffron milk, rose & kewra water, fried onions, and chopped mint-coriander.
4️⃣ Repeat layering until all ingredients are used.
5️⃣ Cover tightly and Dum cook (steam) on low heat for 20 minutes.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

1️⃣ Gently mix the layers before serving.
2️⃣ Serve Ilish Macher Biryani hot with Raita or Chilled Yogurt.

🍽 Relish the royal flavors of Bengal with this divine Hilsa Biryani! 🍽

📌 Footnote & References

👉 For more about the Hilsa Festival, check Sundarban Hilsa Festival.
👉 Explore the Sundarban Ilish Utsav to experience the best of Hilsa cuisine!

Bon Appétit! 🎉🍛🐟