🐟 Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Tel Jhol – Steamed Hilsa Roe Light Curry 🍛✨

A delicacy from Bengal, Ilish Macher Dim-er Bhapa Tel Jhol is a light, flavorful curry featuring steamed Hilsa roe in a mildly spiced mustard-based gravy. This dish retains the natural taste of the Hilsa roe while offering a comforting and aromatic experience. Perfect with a plate of hot, steamed rice! 🍚🔥

🛒 Ingredients

For Steaming the Hilsa Roe:

✔ Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp
✔ Mustard Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Green Chilies (slit) – 3-4
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp

For the Light Curry (Tel Jhol):

✔ Mustard Seeds (whole) – ½ tsp
✔ Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) – ½ tsp
✔ Onion Paste – 1 tbsp
✔ Ginger Paste – 1 tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Water – 1 cup
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Steaming the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa Roe and pat dry.
2️⃣ Mix with mustard paste, turmeric, salt, green chilies, and mustard oil.
3️⃣ Place the mixture in a steel container or banana leaf wrap.
4️⃣ Steam in a pressure cooker or steamer for 10-12 minutes.
5️⃣ Once done, gently take it out and set aside.

2️⃣ Preparing the Light Mustard Curry (Tel Jhol)

1️⃣ Heat 2 tbsp mustard oil in a pan until it smokes slightly.
2️⃣ Lower the heat and add mustard seeds and nigella seeds. Let them splutter.
3️⃣ Add onion paste and ginger paste, sauté until golden.
4️⃣ Sprinkle turmeric and salt, then pour in 1 cup of water.
5️⃣ Let the curry come to a gentle boil.

3️⃣ Adding the Steamed Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Gently place the steamed Hilsa Roe into the simmering curry.
2️⃣ Simmer for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend.
3️⃣ Garnish with slit green chilies and drizzle a little raw mustard oil for aroma.
4️⃣ Turn off the heat and let it sit for a minute before serving.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Enjoy this light and fragrant Ilish Tel Jhol with steamed rice for an authentic Bengali meal experience! 🍚✨

📌 Footnote:

This dish is often relished during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav. The festival celebrates the finest Hilsa fish dishes, making it a must-visit event for seafood lovers!

Bon Appétit! 😋🍴