🍛 Ilish Macher Matha Chorchori – Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry with Hilsa Head 🐟🥦

A traditional Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Matha Chorchori is a flavorful stir-fry made with Hilsa fish head and assorted vegetables. The rich taste of Ilish Mach enhances the dish, making it a perfect companion for steamed rice. This dish is often enjoyed during Sundarban Hilsa Festival when fresh Hilsa (Ilish) is abundantly available!

🛒 Ingredients

For the Hilsa Head Preparation:

✔ Hilsa Fish Head (Ilish Macher Matha) – 1 large (cut into pieces)
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – ½ tsp
✔ Mustard Oil – 3 tbsp

For the Chorchori (Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry):

✔ Potatoes (cubed) – 1 medium
✔ Brinjal (Eggplant, cubed) – 1 small
✔ Pumpkin (cubed) – ½ cup
✔ Parwal (Pointed Gourd, sliced) – 2-3
✔ Ridge Gourd (Jhinge, sliced) – 1 small
✔ Green Chilies (slit) – 3-4
✔ Panch Phoron (Bengali Five-Spice Mix) – 1 tsp
✔ Turmeric Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Red Chili Powder – ½ tsp
✔ Salt – To taste
✔ Sugar – ½ tsp
✔ Mustard Oil – 2 tbsp
✔ Water – ½ cup

👩‍🍳 Cooking Process

1️⃣ Frying the Hilsa Fish Head

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa Head, pat dry, and marinate with turmeric & salt for 5 minutes.
2️⃣ Heat 3 tbsp mustard oil in a pan.
3️⃣ Fry the fish head pieces until golden brown and crispy.
4️⃣ Crush the fried head slightly and set aside.

2️⃣ Preparing the Chorchori

1️⃣ In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp mustard oil and add panch phoron.
2️⃣ When the spices splutter, add slit green chilies for aroma.
3️⃣ Add cubed potatoes, sauté for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
4️⃣ Add brinjal, pumpkin, pointed gourd, and ridge gourd, mix well.
5️⃣ Sprinkle turmeric, red chili powder, salt, and sugar, stir to coat.
6️⃣ Cover and cook on low flame for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7️⃣ Add ½ cup water, cover, and let the vegetables soften.

3️⃣ Final Touch – Adding the Hilsa Head

1️⃣ Add the fried & crushed Hilsa Head to the vegetables.
2️⃣ Mix everything gently, ensuring the flavors blend well.
3️⃣ Let it cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until slightly dry.
4️⃣ Drizzle some mustard oil on top for enhanced aroma.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✅ Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy the traditional flavors of Bengal! 🍚🔥

📌 Footnote:

This dish is a special attraction during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival, also known as Sundarban Ilish Utsav, where you can experience the rich flavors of Ilish delicacies straight from the heart of Sundarbans!

Bon Appétit! 🍴😋