🍲 Ilish Macher Dim-er Chorchori – Hilsa Roe and Vegetable Stir Fry 🐟🥦🔥

A rustic Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Dim-er Chorchori is a flavorful stir-fry made with Hilsa roe (ilish macher dim) and seasonal vegetables, cooked in mustard oil with aromatic spices. This dish is simple yet divine, highlighting the rich flavors of Hilsa roe while balancing it with fresh vegetables.

🛒 Ingredients

For Frying the Hilsa Roe:

✔ Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp

For the Chorchori (Stir Fry):

✔ Potatoes (cut into small cubes) – 1 medium
✔ Pumpkin (diced) – ½ cup
✔ Eggplant (brinjal, chopped) – ½ cup
✔ Green Chilies (slit) – 3-4
✔ Panch Phoron (Bengali five spice) – ½ tsp
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Sugar – ½ tsp (optional)
✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp
✔ Water – ¼ cup

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Frying the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Wash the Hilsa Roe gently and pat dry.
2️⃣ Marinate with turmeric powder and salt.
3️⃣ Heat 2 tbsp mustard oil in a pan and shallow-fry the roe until golden brown.
4️⃣ Remove from the pan and set aside.

2️⃣ Preparing the Chorchori

1️⃣ In the same pan, add 1 tbsp mustard oil and heat it until it smokes slightly.
2️⃣ Add panch phoron and let it splutter.
3️⃣ Toss in potatoes, stir-fry for a minute, then add pumpkin and eggplant.
4️⃣ Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
5️⃣ Pour ¼ cup water, cover, and cook until the veggies are soft.

3️⃣ Bringing It All Together

1️⃣ Once the vegetables are cooked, add the fried Hilsa roe to the pan.
2️⃣ Gently mash the roe into the vegetables for a creamy texture.
3️⃣ Stir everything well and cook for another 2 minutes on low flame.
4️⃣ Drizzle a little mustard oil on top for extra aroma.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the rustic flavors of Ilish Macher Dim-er Chorchori! 🍚🔥

📌 Footnote:

This dish is a popular delicacy during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where food lovers get to experience a variety of authentic Hilsa-based dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients!

Enjoy your meal! 🍴🐟😋