Shukto is a traditional Bengali dish known for its subtle bitterness and creamy texture. This version, featuring Ilish Macher Dim (Hilsa Roe), combines the richness of Hilsa roe with a medley of vegetables and a delicate touch of mustard and poppy seed paste. This dish is perfect for those who love the balance of flavors in Bengali cuisine!
🛒 Ingredients
For Frying the Hilsa Roe:
✔ Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g ✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp ✔ Salt – ½ tsp ✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp
For the Shukto (Curry):
✔ Bitter Gourd (Karela), chopped – ½ cup ✔ Green Banana (Kanchkola), chopped – ½ cup ✔ Potato, diced – ½ cup ✔ Drumsticks (Sojne Data), cut into pieces – 4-5 pieces ✔ Brinjal (Eggplant), diced – ½ cup ✔ Flat Beans (Sheem), chopped – ½ cup ✔ Radhuni (optional, substitute with celery seeds) – ½ tsp ✔ Poppy Seed Paste (Posto Bata) – 1 tbsp ✔ Mustard Paste – 2 tbsp ✔ Milk – ½ cup ✔ Panch Phoron (Bengali five-spice mix) – 1 tsp ✔ Bay Leaf – 1 ✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp ✔ Salt – To taste ✔ Sugar – ½ tsp ✔ Ghee – 1 tsp ✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp ✔ Water – 1 cup
👩🍳 Cooking Process
1️⃣ Frying the Hilsa Roe
1️⃣ Wash and pat dry the Hilsa Roe. 2️⃣ Marinate it with turmeric and salt, then let it rest for 5 minutes. 3️⃣ Heat 2 tbsp mustard oil in a pan and fry the Hilsa Roe on both sides until golden brown. 4️⃣ Remove and keep aside.
2️⃣ Preparing the Vegetables
1️⃣ In the same pan, add 1 tbsp mustard oil and fry the bitter gourd until lightly crisp. Set aside. 2️⃣ Add more oil if needed, then fry potatoes, green banana, drumsticks, brinjal, and flat beans one by one. Keep them aside.
3️⃣ Cooking the Shukto Base
1️⃣ Heat 1 tbsp mustard oil in a deep pan, add panch phoron, bay leaf, and a pinch of radhuni (if using). 2️⃣ Add the fried vegetables and stir well. 3️⃣ Mix in the poppy seed paste, mustard paste, turmeric powder, salt, and sugar. Cook for 2 minutes. 4️⃣ Add 1 cup water and let it simmer until the vegetables soften.
4️⃣ Adding the Hilsa Roe & Final Touch
1️⃣ Gently break the fried Hilsa Roe into pieces and add it to the curry. 2️⃣ Pour in ½ cup milk to give it a creamy texture. Stir gently. 3️⃣ Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then add fried bitter gourd and ghee for a rich aroma. 4️⃣ Turn off the heat and let it rest for a minute before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
✅ Serve warm with steamed rice for an authentic Bengali comfort meal. 🍚✨
📌 Footnote:
This unique dish is a rare find and a must-try during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where food lovers indulge in exquisite Hilsa delicacies amidst the beauty of the Sundarbans!