🍛 Ilish Macher Dim-er Tok – Sour Hilsa Roe Curry 🍛

A delicacy from Bengal, Ilish Macher Dim-er Tok is a unique, tangy, and flavorful dish made with Hilsa roe (fish eggs), showcasing the rich culinary heritage of the Sundarbans. This dish combines the luxurious taste of Ilish maachh (Hilsa fish) with a tangy tamarind-infused gravy, making it an irresistible delight for seafood lovers.

🛒 Ingredients

🔹 Hilsa Roe (Ilish Macher Dim) – 200g
🔹 Mustard Oil – 4 tbsp
🔹 Tamarind Pulp – 2 tbsp (soaked in warm water)
🔹 Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
🔹 Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp
🔹 Sugar – 1 tbsp
🔹 Salt – As per taste
🔹 Panch Phoron (Bengali Five-Spice Mix) – ½ tsp
🔹 Dried Red Chilies – 2 pcs
🔹 Water – 1 cup

👨‍🍳 Cooking Process

🔥 Step 1: Preparing the Hilsa Roe

1️⃣ Wash the Hilsa roe gently and pat dry.
2️⃣ Marinate with a pinch of turmeric powder and salt; set aside for 10 minutes.

🍳 Step 2: Frying the Roe

1️⃣ Heat mustard oil in a pan until it reaches a smoking point, then lower the heat.
2️⃣ Gently fry the Hilsa roe until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

🥣 Step 3: Preparing the Tok (Sour Gravy)

1️⃣ In the same oil, add panch phoron and dried red chilies for tempering.
2️⃣ Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and sauté for a few seconds.
3️⃣ Pour in the tamarind pulp, salt, and sugar, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4️⃣ Add 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil.

🍛 Step 4: Final Touch

1️⃣ Gently place the fried Hilsa roe into the tangy gravy.
2️⃣ Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the flavors blend beautifully.
3️⃣ Adjust seasoning as needed and turn off the heat.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

🔹 Serve hot with steamed rice for an authentic Bengali experience.
🔹 Garnish with fresh coriander leaves (optional).
🔹 Pair with a glass of chilled aam panna or a light mustard-based side dish.

📜 Footnote & Reference

This dish is a star attraction at the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, where visitors indulge in a variety of Hilsa delicacies while exploring the Sundarbans’ breathtaking beauty. Don’t miss the Sundarban Ilish Utsav for an unforgettable culinary adventure! 🍽️🐟✨