🍛 Ilish Macher Dim-er Jhal – Spicy Hilsa Roe Curry 🐟🔥

A mouthwatering delicacy from Bengal, Ilish Macher Dim-er Jhal is a spicy and flavorful curry made with Hilsa fish roe (ilish macher dim), cooked in mustard-based gravy. This dish is a must-try for all seafood lovers, especially during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Hilsa Roe Preparation:

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

For the Curry:

✔ Onion Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Ginger Paste – 1 tsp
✔ Garlic Paste – 1 tsp
✔ Tomato Paste – 1 tbsp
✔ Green Chilies (slit) – 3-4
✔ Mustard Seeds Paste – 2 tbsp
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Sugar – ½ tsp (optional)
✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp
✔ Water – ½ cup

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Frying the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa Roe gently and pat dry.
2️⃣ Marinate it with turmeric and salt, then let it rest for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Heat 2 tbsp mustard oil in a pan.
4️⃣ Fry the roe until golden brown on both sides. (Be gentle, as the roe is delicate.)
5️⃣ Remove from the pan and keep aside.

2️⃣ Preparing the Curry

1️⃣ In the same pan, heat 3 tbsp mustard oil until smoking, then lower the heat.
2️⃣ Add onion paste and sauté until golden brown.
3️⃣ Stir in ginger-garlic paste, cook until the raw smell disappears.
4️⃣ Add tomato paste and cook until oil separates.
5️⃣ Add turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and a little sugar. Stir well.
6️⃣ Pour in the mustard seed paste, stir, and cook for a minute.
7️⃣ Add ½ cup water and bring the curry to a boil.

3️⃣ Final Touch – Adding the Roe

1️⃣ Gently place the fried Hilsa Roe into the bubbling curry.
2️⃣ Simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb flavors.
3️⃣ Add slit green chilies and drizzle a little mustard oil for extra aroma.
4️⃣ Turn off the heat and let it rest for a minute.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the divine taste of Ilish Macher Dim-er Jhal! 🍚🔥

📌 Footnote:

This dish is a highlight of the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where you can indulge in the freshest and most flavorful Hilsa preparations in the heart of the Sundarbans!

Bon Appétit! 🍴😋