🐟 Ilish Macher Dim-er Malai Curry – Hilsa Roe Curry with Coconut Milk 🍛

 

Ilish Macher Dim-er Malai Curry is a rich and aromatic Bengali delicacy, combining the goodness of Hilsa roe (ilish macher dim) with the creamy texture of coconut milk. This dish is a must-try for seafood lovers and is often prepared during Hilsa festivals in Bengal.

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🛒 Ingredients:

For Marination:

✔ 200g Hilsa roe (Ilish Macher Dim)
✔ ½ tsp turmeric powder
✔ ½ tsp salt

For Curry:

✔ 2 tbsp mustard oil
✔ 1 medium onion (finely chopped) 🧅
✔ 1 small tomato (pureed) 🍅
✔ 1 green chili (slit) 🌶
✔ ½ tsp turmeric powder
✔ ½ tsp red chili powder
✔ ½ tsp cumin powder
✔ ½ tsp garam masala
✔ ½ cup thick coconut milk 🥥
✔ ½ cup thin coconut milk
✔ ½ tsp sugar
✔ Salt to taste
✔ Fresh coriander leaves for garnish 🌿

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Process:

Step 1: Marinate the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Wash the Hilsa roe gently under running water.
2️⃣ Pat dry and marinate with turmeric powder and salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Fry the Roe

1️⃣ Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches the smoking point.
2️⃣ Reduce the flame and lightly fry the Hilsa roe until golden brown. Remove and keep aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Curry Base

1️⃣ In the same oil, add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
2️⃣ Add pureed tomato, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and cumin powder.
3️⃣ Stir well and cook until the oil separates from the masala.

Step 4: Add Coconut Milk & Cook the Roe

1️⃣ Pour in the thin coconut milk and bring it to a simmer.
2️⃣ Gently add the fried Hilsa roe and cook for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Add thick coconut milk, a pinch of sugar, and salt as per taste.

Step 5: Final Touch

1️⃣ Add slit green chilies and sprinkle garam masala.
2️⃣ Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the curry thickens.
3️⃣ Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

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🍽 Serving Suggestion

Serve this luscious Ilish Macher Dim-er Malai Curry with steamed basmati rice for an authentic Bengali meal! 🍚

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📌 Note:

This dish is a seasonal delicacy often enjoyed during Hilsa festivals in the Sundarbans. If you are a true Hilsa lover, don’t miss the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where you can taste the freshest Ilish delicacies!

👉 Bookmark this recipe and try it at home for a royal Bengali feast! 🎉