Ilish Macher Korma – Hilsa Fish Korma Recipe

🐟 Ilish Macher Korma – Hilsa Fish Korma Recipe

Ilish Macher Korma is a classic Bengali delicacy featuring tender Hilsa fish cooked in a rich, creamy gravy with aromatic spices. This luxurious dish is ideal for special occasions and festive meals.

🍲 Ingredients:

• Hilsa Fish (Ilish) – 6-8 pieces, cleaned & washed
• Onion Paste – 3 tablespoons
• Ginger Paste – 1 tablespoon
• Garlic Paste – 1 teaspoon
• Yogurt (Curd) – ½ cup, well-beaten
• Cashew Paste – 2 tablespoons
• Poppy Seed (Posto) Paste – 1 tablespoon
• Green Chilies – 3-4, slit lengthwise
• Bay Leaves – 2
• Cinnamon Stick – 1-inch piece
• Green Cardamom – 3 pods
• Cloves – 3-4 pieces
• Sugar – ½ teaspoon
• Salt – to taste
• Mustard Oil – 4 tablespoons
• Ghee (Clarified Butter) – 1 tablespoon
• Warm Water – 1½ cups
• Garam Masala Powder – ½ teaspoon
• Kewra Water (optional) – ½ teaspoon

👩‍🍳 Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: 🐟 Preparation

• Marinate Hilsa pieces lightly with salt and turmeric, keep aside for 10 minutes.

Step 2: 🔥 Frying the Fish

• Heat mustard oil in a pan until smoking hot; reduce heat.
• Gently fry the fish pieces for about 2 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Remove and keep aside.

Step 3: 🧅 Making the Gravy Base

• In the same pan, add ghee and heat gently.
• Add bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, sauté until fragrant.
• Mix onion, ginger, garlic pastes, and sauté until golden and aromatic.

Step 4: 🥣 Adding the Richness

• Lower the flame and slowly mix in yogurt. Stir continuously to avoid curdling.
• Now add cashew and poppy seed pastes, cook gently until oil separates.

Step 5: 🌶️ Simmering & Flavoring

• Add sugar, green chilies, salt, and warm water.
• Simmer gently, then carefully add fried Hilsa pieces. Cook covered on low heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle.

Step 6: 🍽️ Finishing Touch

• Sprinkle Garam Masala and optional Kewra water.
• Turn off heat, cover the pan, and allow it to rest for a few minutes.

🍚 Serving Suggestion:

Enjoy this flavorful Ilish Macher Korma hot with steamed Basmati rice or aromatic Bengali pulao.

📌 Tips for Best Results:

• Avoid excessive stirring once the fish is added to prevent breaking.
• Using fresh Hilsa enhances the flavor significantly.

🎉 Celebrate Hilsa!

Explore more delicious Hilsa delicacies during the annual Sundarban Hilsa festival, popularly known as Sundarban ilish utsav, where culture and cuisine meet in celebration of Bengal’s most cherished fish!

Reference & Credit:

• Recipe adapted from traditional Bengali culinary practices and authentic home-style cooking.
• Event details for “Sundarban Hilsa festival”, “Sundarban ilish utsav”.