🐟 Ilish Macher Dim-er Kalia – Rich Hilsa Roe Curry 🥘

Ilish Macher Dim-er Kalia is a traditional Bengali delicacy, featuring the rich and flavorful roe (eggs) of the Hilsa fish. This dish is cooked in an aromatic gravy with mustard, yogurt, and spices, making it a royal treat for seafood lovers!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Hilsa Roe Preparation:

✅ Hilsa Fish Roe (Ilish Mach er Dim) – 200g
✅ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✅ Salt – ½ tsp
✅ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp

For the Gravy:

✅ Onions (finely sliced) – 2 large
✅ Tomatoes (pureed) – 1 medium
✅ Ginger-Garlic Paste – 1 tbsp
✅ Green Chilies – 2-3 (slit)
✅ Mustard Seeds – ½ tsp
✅ Bay Leaf – 1
✅ Cumin Seeds – ½ tsp
✅ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✅ Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
✅ Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
✅ Garam Masala Powder – ½ tsp
✅ Thick Yogurt – 2 tbsp
✅ Water – 1 cup
✅ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp
✅ Salt – to taste
✅ Sugar – ½ tsp
✅ Fresh Coriander Leaves – for garnish

👨‍🍳 Cooking Process

🔥 Step 1: Frying the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Wash the Hilsa roe carefully and marinate with turmeric and salt.
2️⃣ Heat mustard oil in a pan and shallow-fry the roe until golden and crispy.
3️⃣ Remove and keep aside.

🍲 Step 2: Preparing the Gravy

1️⃣ In the same pan, heat more mustard oil.
2️⃣ Add mustard seeds, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
3️⃣ Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
4️⃣ Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook until fragrant.
5️⃣ Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook until oil separates.
6️⃣ Lower the heat and mix in yogurt, stirring continuously to avoid curdling.
7️⃣ Pour in water, adjust salt, and let the gravy simmer.

🥘 Step 3: Bringing It All Together

1️⃣ Gently place the fried hilsa roe into the simmering gravy.
2️⃣ Add sugar and garam masala powder. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes.
3️⃣ Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and turn off the heat.

🍽 Serving Suggestion

Serve Ilish Macher Dim-er Kalia hot with steamed Basmati rice or Bengali Gobindobhog rice. The rich flavors of mustard and spices make it an irresistible delicacy!

📌 Footnote & References

For more delightful Hilsa fish experiences, visit the Sundarban Hilsa Festival and be a part of the grand Sundarban Ilish Utsav. Enjoy fresh and authentic Hilsa delicacies while exploring the enchanting beauty of Sundarbans! 🌊🐟