🐟 Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Shukto – Steamed Hilsa Roe Bitter-Sweet Curry 🍛🌿

A delicate, mildly bitter yet flavorful dish, Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Shukto is a unique Bengali recipe that combines the richness of Hilsa fish roe with the subtle bitterness of vegetables and mustard-based steaming. This dish is a delightful addition to a traditional Bengali meal, perfect for those who love balanced flavors.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Hilsa Roe Preparation:

✔ Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp
✔ Mustard Oil – 1 tbsp

For the Shukto (Bitter-Sweet Curry):

✔ Bitter Gourd (sliced thinly) – ½ cup
✔ Raw Banana (sliced into thin strips) – ½ cup
✔ Pumpkin (diced into small pieces) – ½ cup
✔ Drumsticks (cut into 2-inch pieces) – 4-5 pieces
✔ Potatoes (thinly sliced) – ½ cup
✔ Mustard Seed Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Poppy Seed Paste – 1 tbsp
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Sugar – ½ tsp
✔ Milk – ½ cup (optional for creaminess)
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp
✔ Panch Phoron (Bengali five spice) – ½ tsp
✔ Bay Leaf – 1
✔ Green Chilies (slit) – 3-4
✔ Water – 1 cup

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Preparing the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa Roe carefully and pat dry.
2️⃣ Marinate with turmeric and salt, let it rest for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp mustard oil and lightly sauté the roe for 1-2 minutes.
4️⃣ Set aside for steaming later.

2️⃣ Cooking the Vegetables

1️⃣ In a pan, heat 1 tbsp mustard oil until it smokes.
2️⃣ Add panch phoron and bay leaf, let them splutter.
3️⃣ Add bitter gourd slices and fry for 2 minutes until slightly crisp.
4️⃣ Add potatoes, raw banana, pumpkin, and drumsticks; stir well.
5️⃣ Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6️⃣ Mix in turmeric, salt, and sugar, then pour 1 cup water and simmer.

3️⃣ Preparing the Bhapa (Steamed) Mixture

1️⃣ In a bowl, mix mustard seed paste, poppy seed paste, and green chilies.
2️⃣ Add the lightly sautéed Hilsa Roe into the mixture.
3️⃣ Pour in milk (optional for creaminess) and mix gently.
4️⃣ Once the vegetables are half-cooked, pour the bhapa mixture over them.
5️⃣ Cover the pan and let it steam on low flame for 10-12 minutes.

4️⃣ Final Touch

1️⃣ Drizzle a little extra mustard oil for enhanced aroma.
2️⃣ Stir lightly without breaking the roe and let it rest for 2 minutes.
3️⃣ Turn off the heat and serve hot!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Best enjoyed with steamed rice, as part of a traditional Bengali thali. 🍚🌿

📌 Footnote:

This dish is an exquisite part of the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where food lovers can indulge in a variety of Hilsa delicacies amidst the serene beauty of the Sundarbans!

Bon Appétit! 😋✨