🍛 Ilish Macher Dim-er Polao – Hilsa Roe Pilaf 🐟🍚

A royal Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Dim-er Polao combines the rich flavors of Hilsa roe with fragrant basmati rice, creating an aromatic and luxurious dish. This dish is a true celebration of Bengal’s most prized fish, often enjoyed during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival.

🛒 Ingredients

🔹 For the Hilsa Roe Preparation

• 200g Hilsa Roe (Ilish Mach-er Dim)
• ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
• ½ tsp Red Chili Powder
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 tbsp Mustard Oil

🔹 For the Pilaf (Polao)

• 2 cups Basmati Rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 3 tbsp Ghee
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 2 Green Cardamoms
• 1-inch Cinnamon Stick
• 3 Cloves
• 1 Onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ tsp Sugar
• 3-4 Green Chilies (slit)
• ½ cup Warm Milk with 10-12 strands of Saffron
• 3 cups Hot Water or Light Fish Broth
• Salt (to taste)

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

🔥 Step 1: Frying the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa roe carefully and marinate with turmeric, salt, and chili powder.
2️⃣ Heat mustard oil in a pan, fry the roe on medium flame until golden brown. Break it into small pieces and set aside.

🍚 Step 2: Preparing the Polao

1️⃣ Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
2️⃣ Add sliced onions and sugar. Fry until onions turn golden brown.
3️⃣ Stir in the soaked rice and gently fry for 2-3 minutes.

💦 Step 3: Cooking the Pilaf

1️⃣ Pour in hot water or light fish broth. Add salt to taste.
2️⃣ Cover and cook on a low flame for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3️⃣ Once the rice is nearly cooked, add the fried Hilsa roe and mix gently.

🌟 Step 4: Finishing Touch

1️⃣ Pour in saffron-infused milk and let it steam for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Garnish with green chilies for extra flavor.

🍽️ Serving Suggestion

Serve this aromatic Hilsa Roe Pilaf with a side of Hilsa fish curry, cucumber salad, and a dollop of ghee for an unforgettable dining experience!

📌 Footnote & Reference

This dish is a tribute to Bengal’s love for Hilsa, best celebrated during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival – an annual event dedicated to the “Sundarban Ilish Utsav”, where food lovers enjoy the finest varieties of Hilsa preparations.