Ilish Macher Dim-er Bora is a crispy and flavorful Bengali delicacy made from the roe (fish eggs) of the prized Hilsa fish. This traditional dish is a must-try for seafood lovers, offering a crunchy outside with a rich, delicate flavor inside. Perfect as an appetizer or a side dish with a comforting plate of rice and dal.
🍽 Ingredients
✔ Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g ✔ Gram Flour (Besan) – ½ cup ✔ Rice Flour – 2 tbsp (for extra crispiness) ✔ Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped ✔ Green Chilies – 2-3, finely chopped ✔ Ginger Paste – ½ tsp ✔ Garlic Paste – ½ tsp ✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp ✔ Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp ✔ Salt – As per taste ✔ Mustard Oil – For deep frying ✔ Coriander Leaves – 2 tbsp, finely chopped ✔ Baking Soda – A pinch (optional, for extra fluffiness)
🔥 Cooking Process
🥣 Step 1: Preparing the Batter
1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa roe gently, removing any unwanted parts. 2️⃣ Mash it thoroughly in a mixing bowl until smooth. 3️⃣ Add gram flour, rice flour, onion, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. 4️⃣ Mix well to form a thick batter. Add a little water if needed. 5️⃣ If using baking soda, add it at this stage and mix again for a lighter texture.
🍳 Step 2: Frying the Fritters
1️⃣ Heat mustard oil in a deep frying pan until it reaches medium-high heat. 2️⃣ Take small portions of the batter and drop them carefully into the hot oil using a spoon or your fingers. 3️⃣ Fry the fritters on medium heat until they turn golden brown and crispy on all sides. 4️⃣ Remove from oil and place on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.
🥗 Step 3: Serving Suggestions
✔ Serve hot with a side of kasundi (Bengali mustard sauce) and lemon wedges. ✔ Pairs beautifully with steamed rice and musur dal (red lentil curry). ✔ Enjoy with a cup of masala chai for a delightful snack experience!
🏵 Conclusion
Ilish Macher Dim-er Bora is a gem of Bengali cuisine, showcasing the unique taste of Hilsa roe in a crispy, flavorful form. Whether served as a snack or a side dish, this traditional delight is bound to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds!
📌 Footnote: 🔗 For more authentic Hilsa recipes and to experience the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, check out 👉 Sundarban Hilsa Festival. 🔗 Join the grand Sundarban Ilish Utsav and indulge in the best Hilsa delicacies!