🍽️ Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa – Steamed Hilsa Roe 🐟✨

A delicacy from Bengal, Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa is a rich and aromatic dish made by steaming Hilsa roe with mustard paste and aromatic spices. Perfect for monsoon indulgence, this dish is best enjoyed with hot steamed rice.

🌿 Ingredients

🔸 Hilsa Roe (Ilish Machher Dim) – 200g
🔸 Mustard Seeds (Sorshe) – 3 tbsp
🔸 Poppy Seeds (Posto) (Optional) – 1 tbsp
🔸 Green Chilies (Kancha Lanka) – 4-5, slit
🔸 Turmeric Powder (Haldi) – ½ tsp
🔸 Salt – To taste
🔸 Mustard Oil (Sarso Tel) – 4 tbsp
🔸 Yogurt (Dahi) (Optional) – 2 tbsp
🔸 Coconut Paste (Optional) – 2 tbsp
🔸 Banana Leaves (For Wrapping, Optional)

🔥 Cooking Process

Step 1: Preparing the Mustard Paste

1️⃣ Soak mustard seeds and poppy seeds in warm water for 15 minutes.
2️⃣ Grind them into a fine paste with a little water and 2 green chilies.

Step 2: Marinating the Roe

3️⃣ Wash the Hilsa roe thoroughly and pat it dry.
4️⃣ Marinate with turmeric, salt, and mustard paste.
5️⃣ Add yogurt (if using) and mix well. Let it rest for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing for Steaming

6️⃣ Take a heatproof container or banana leaf wrap (traditional style).
7️⃣ Coat with mustard oil, place the marinated roe, and top with slit green chilies.
8️⃣ Drizzle the remaining mustard oil for added flavor.

Step 4: Steaming the Dish

9️⃣ Place the container in a steamer or use the traditional double-boiling method in a large pan with water.
🔟 Steam for 15-20 minutes on medium heat.

Step 5: Serving

✅ Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes.
✅ Serve hot with steaming rice and enjoy the rich, flavorful taste of Bengal’s favorite delicacy!

🍛 Serving Suggestion

💡 Serve with hot Gobindobhog rice for an authentic Bengali experience!

📌 Footnote & References

For more exquisite Hilsa delicacies and festival details, check out:
🔗 Sundarban Hilsa Festival
🔗 Sundarban Ilish Utsav

✨ Experience the best of Hilsa at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival 2025! 🐟🥘