🍛 Ilish Macher Dim-er Tel Jhol – Hilsa Roe Light Curry 🐟💛

A simple yet flavorful Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Dim-er Tel Jhol is a light and aromatic curry made with Hilsa roe (ilish macher dim), minimal spices, and a mustard oil-based broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Hilsa Roe:

✔ Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp

For the Light Curry (Tel Jhol):

✔ Potatoes (cut into wedges) – 1 (medium-sized)
✔ Onion (thinly sliced) – 1 (small-sized)
✔ Green Chilies (slit) – 3-4
✔ Nigella Seeds (Kalonji) – ½ tsp
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp
✔ Water – 1.5 cups

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Frying the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa Roe gently and pat dry.
2️⃣ Marinate it with turmeric and salt, let it rest for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Heat 2 tbsp mustard oil in a pan.
4️⃣ Lightly fry the roe until golden brown, flipping carefully.
5️⃣ Remove and keep aside.

2️⃣ Preparing the Light Mustard Oil-Based Broth

1️⃣ Heat 3 tbsp mustard oil in a pan.
2️⃣ Add nigella seeds (kalonji) and let them splutter.
3️⃣ Toss in sliced onions and sauté until soft.
4️⃣ Add potato wedges and sauté for 2 minutes.
5️⃣ Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
6️⃣ Pour in 1.5 cups of water, cover, and let it come to a boil.
7️⃣ Cook for 5-6 minutes until potatoes turn soft.

3️⃣ Bringing It All Together

1️⃣ Gently place the fried Hilsa Roe into the simmering broth.
2️⃣ Add slit green chilies for extra flavor.
3️⃣ Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
4️⃣ Drizzle a few drops of raw mustard oil for the signature Bengali aroma.
5️⃣ Turn off the heat and let it rest for a minute.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Serve hot with steamed rice 🍚 for a wholesome, authentic Bengali meal.

📌 Footnote:

This dish is a treasured part of the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where you can savor the best Hilsa dishes made from the freshest catches of the season!

Enjoy your meal! 😋🍴