🍛 Ilish Macher Dim Bharta – Mashed Hilsa Roe Recipe 🐟

Ilish Macher Dim Bharta (মাছের ডিম ভর্তা) is a traditional Bengali delicacy made from the roe (eggs) of the Hilsa fish. This simple yet flavorful dish is a must-try for seafood lovers, especially during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival.

🛒 Ingredients:

• 🐟 Hilsa roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g
• 🧅 Onion – 1 medium (finely chopped)
• 🌶 Green chilies – 2-3 (chopped)
• 🧄 Garlic – 4-5 cloves (finely chopped)
• 🫒 Mustard oil – 2 tbsp
• 🧂 Salt – to taste
• 🍋 Lemon juice – 1 tsp (optional)
• 🌿 Coriander leaves – for garnish

🔥 Cooking Process:

Step 1️⃣: Cleaning and Boiling

1. Clean the Hilsa roe thoroughly in water.
2. Heat a small pan with water and boil the roe for 5 minutes until it firms up.
3. Drain the water and allow it to cool.

Step 2️⃣: Sautéing the Ingredients

4. Heat mustard oil in a pan until it starts to smoke slightly.
5. Add chopped garlic and sauté until golden brown.
6. Toss in the chopped onions and green chilies, and fry until the onions turn soft.

Step 3️⃣: Mashing and Mixing

7. Add the boiled Hilsa roe to the pan and gently mash it using a spatula.
8. Mix well with the sautéed onions and garlic.
9. Season with salt and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 4️⃣: Final Touch & Serving

🔸 Turn off the heat and add a dash of lemon juice for a tangy kick.
🔸 Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
🔸 Serve hot with steamed rice and a drizzle of mustard oil for the authentic Bengali taste! 🍚

🍽️ Pro Tip:

For a richer flavor, you can lightly fry the roe in mustard oil before mashing it!

📌 Footnote & Reference:

This delicious dish is a highlight of the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where fresh and flavorful Hilsa dishes are celebrated! Don’t miss the chance to explore this unique culinary experience in the heart of Sundarbans! 🌊🐟🎉