🍛 Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Bharta – Steamed Hilsa Roe Mash 🐟✨

A simple yet heavenly Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Bharta is a mashed Hilsa roe dish, delicately steamed with mustard, chilies, and mustard oil. It is a must-try dish during the Hilsa season, offering a burst of rich, smoky, and nutty flavors.

🛒 Ingredients

✔ Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g
✔ Mustard Seeds Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Green Chilies (finely chopped) – 3-4
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp
✔ Onion (finely chopped) – 1 small
✔ Garlic Paste – ½ tsp (optional)
✔ Lemon Juice – 1 tsp
✔ Coriander Leaves (chopped, for garnish) – 1 tbsp

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Preparing the Roe

1️⃣ Wash the Hilsa Roe gently and remove any veins.
2️⃣ Mix it with turmeric powder, salt, and 1 tbsp mustard oil.

2️⃣ Steaming the Roe

1️⃣ In a steel tiffin box or a banana leaf wrap, add the marinated roe, mustard paste, chopped chilies, and garlic paste.
2️⃣ Drizzle 1 tbsp mustard oil over it and close the lid.
3️⃣ Place the container in a steamer or inside a pot with boiling water, ensuring it doesn’t get submerged.
4️⃣ Steam for 15-20 minutes until the roe is fully cooked and soft.

3️⃣ Mashing & Final Touch

1️⃣ Once done, let it cool slightly and then mash it with a spoon or hand.
2️⃣ Mix in chopped onions, lemon juice, and more mustard oil for extra richness.
3️⃣ Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve warm.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Best enjoyed with hot steamed rice and a drizzle of extra mustard oil for that authentic Bengali taste! 🍚🔥

📌 Footnote:

This dish is a signature delicacy at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where food lovers experience the best of Hilsa delicacies from the Sundarbans!

Enjoy this delightful dish! 😋🍴