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

Ilish Macher Dim-er Korma is a royal Bengali delicacy where the rich, buttery roe (eggs) of Hilsa fish are cooked in an aromatic and creamy gravy. This dish is a must-try for seafood lovers, bringing out the exquisite taste of the ‘Queen of Fish’ in a luxurious way.

🌿 Ingredients

🐟 For the Hilsa Roe

• 250g Ilish Macher Dim (Hilsa Roe)
• ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
• ½ tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Mustard Oil

🥘 For the Korma Gravy

• 2 tbsp Ghee (Clarified Butter)
• 1 tbsp Mustard Oil
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 4 Green Cardamoms
• 2 Cloves
• 1-inch Cinnamon Stick
• 1 Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 2 Green Chilies (slit)
• 1 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
• ½ tsp Coriander Powder
• ½ tsp Garam Masala Powder
• ½ cup Fresh Yogurt (beaten)
• ¼ cup Coconut Milk
• 1 tsp Sugar
• Salt to taste
• ½ cup Water

🥜 For Garnish

• 1 tbsp Fried Onions (Beresta)
• Fresh Coriander Leaves (chopped)

🔥 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Preparing the Hilsa Roe

1. Clean the Ilish roe carefully and cut it into small pieces.
2. Marinate with salt and turmeric powder.
3. Heat mustard oil in a pan and shallow fry the roe until golden brown. Set aside.

2️⃣ Making the Korma Gravy

4. In the same pan, add ghee and mustard oil together.
5. Add bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, sauté until aromatic.
6. Add chopped onions and fry until golden brown.
7. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until raw smell disappears.
8. Add turmeric, red chili, and coriander powder, mix well.
9. Lower the heat, add beaten yogurt gradually, stirring continuously.
10. Pour in coconut milk, sugar, and salt; mix everything smoothly.

3️⃣ Bringing it Together

11. Add the fried hilsa roe into the gravy, gently mix.
12. Pour water, cover, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
13. Sprinkle garam masala powder and mix gently.

4️⃣ Final Touch

14. Garnish with fried onions (beresta) and fresh coriander leaves.
15. Serve hot with steamed rice for an authentic Bengali feast! 🍛

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Best enjoyed with steamed Gobindobhog rice.
• Pair with a light Shukto or Begun Bharta to balance the richness.
• A glass of chilled Aam Panna makes a refreshing accompaniment.

📌 Footnote

This recipe celebrates the rich and cultural heritage of Hilsa delicacies, a key highlight of the Sundarban Hilsa Festival and Sundarban Ilish Utsav. Experience the magic of Hilsa like never before!