🐟 Ilish Macher Pulao – Hilsa Fish Pilaf 🍛

A royal Bengali delicacy, Ilish Macher Pulao is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish where the richness of Hilsa fish (Ilish) blends beautifully with aromatic basmati rice, ghee, and whole spices. This dish is a must-try for seafood lovers, especially during the Sundarban Hilsa Festival when fresh Ilish is at its peak.

🛒 Ingredients:

For Marinating the Fish:

• 🐟 Hilsa fish (Ilish) – 4-6 pieces
• 🧂 Salt – as per taste
• 🧂 Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
• 🍋 Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

For the Pulao:

• 🍚 Basmati rice – 2 cups (soaked for 30 mins)
• 🥛 Milk – ½ cup
• 🧈 Ghee (clarified butter) – 3 tbsp
• 🌿 Bay leaf – 2
• 🧄 Ginger paste – 1 tbsp
• 🧅 Onions (thinly sliced) – 2 large
• 🍃 Cardamom – 4
• 🌿 Cloves – 4
• 🌿 Cinnamon – 1 small stick
• 🌿 Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• 🌿 Garam masala powder – ½ tsp
• 🌰 Cashews – 10-12 (optional)
• 🍇 Raisins – 10-12 (optional)
• 🍶 Saffron strands – a pinch (soaked in warm milk)
• 🌿 Coriander leaves – for garnishing

👨‍🍳 Cooking Process:

🔹 Step 1: Marinating the Fish

1️⃣ Clean the Hilsa fish pieces and pat dry.
2️⃣ Rub with salt, turmeric, and lemon juice. Set aside for 15-20 minutes.

🔹 Step 2: Preparing the Pulao Base

3️⃣ Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan and lightly fry the Hilsa pieces for 2 minutes on each side. Keep aside.
4️⃣ In the same pan, add 1 tbsp ghee, then add bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and cumin seeds. Sauté until aromatic.
5️⃣ Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown. Add ginger paste and stir for a minute.

🔹 Step 3: Cooking the Rice

6️⃣ Add the soaked rice and gently stir to coat with the aromatic spices.
7️⃣ Pour 4 cups of warm water, add salt, garam masala, cashews, and raisins. Let it cook on low flame.
8️⃣ Once the rice is half-cooked, gently place the fried Hilsa pieces over it.
9️⃣ Drizzle milk, saffron-infused milk, and remaining ghee over the rice.

🔹 Step 4: Dum Cooking (Slow Steam)

🔟 Cover with a tight lid and cook on low flame for 10-15 minutes. Turn off the flame and let it sit for another 10 minutes.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

✨ Gently fluff the Ilish Pulao and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot with Bengali Tomato Chutney, Cucumber Raita, or Masoor Dal.

💡 Pro Tip: Pair this dish with a glass of Gondhoraj Lebu-infused water for an authentic Bengali feast!

🌍 Experience Hilsa Like Never Before!

Celebrate the Sundarban Hilsa Festival and indulge in the freshest, most delicious Ilish dishes. Join the Sundarban Ilish Utsav to enjoy local flavors, boat rides, and a seafood lover’s paradise!

👉 Sundarban Hilsa Festival

📌 Reference & Credits: Recipe inspired by traditional Bengali cuisine and the flavors of Sundarbans.