8 Must-Try Bengali Hilsha Dishes
Hisha fish or ilish mach and bengalis are really inseparable. You can not be a true bengali and not be in love with hilsa fish (some might say otherwise, but I still stand by my statement). So no wonder we Bengalies have created a ton of different dishes with hilsa. I will share a few of my favorite recipes with hilsa fish in this write up. No matter whether you are a spice lover, or a steamed fish type of person, hopefully you will find something to try from here.
But before I get started with the recipes let us get to know a bit more about the national fish of Bangladesh, ilish.
How to Identify Hilsha Fish
The hilsa fish has distinct physical characteristics that contribute to its allure and recognition. It has a slender, elongated body with a streamlined shape, well-adapted for swift swimming. The hilsa fish is characterized by its shiny silver scales, which cover its body. These scales reflect light, giving the fish a lustrous appearance. Hilsa fish possess large and distinct gill plates on the sides of their heads. The size of hilsa fish can vary depending on factors such as age and habitat. They typically range in length from about 12 inches to 24 inches. However, larger specimens can reach up to 30 inches in length. An adult hilsa usually weighs anywhere between 500 grams to 2 kilograms.
Nutritional Benefits of Hilsa
Hilsa fish, also known as Ilish, is extremely nutritious and provides numerous health benefits. Here are some essential nutrients found in Hilsa fish per 100 grams.
- Protein: Around 22 grams
- Total Fat: About 19 grams
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 3 grams
- Calcium: About 180 mg
- Iron: Around 2 mg
Vitamin B12: About 4 µg - Vitamin C: Around 27 mg
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Rich in EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Recipes You Can Try with Hilsha Fish
Ilish Khichuri
Bengali monsoons are deeply connected to this nostalgic dish.There are two different ways to enjoy Ilish khichuri in the rainy days, the first ways is to fry the Ilish or hilsa fish separately and enjoy it with a side of khichuri. The second way is to cook the ilish and khichuri together.To prepare the second version of the dish you will have to marinate and fry the hilsa pieces. Afterwards, cook the fish together with lentils, rice, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and bay leaves.
Learn More About Ilish Khichuri
Salted Hilsa Fish Curry with Vegetables
Salted hilsa is actually a dried version of the hilsa fish where the fish is salt cured and dried to preserve. This might be an acquired taste due to the strong smell and overly salty taste of the fish. However if you do master up the courage to try the salted hilsa then the salted hilsa fish curry with vegetables might be a great dish for you to get started with. To prepare this dish you will have to cook thick slices of salt-cured hilsa with an array of vegetables such as eggplant, beans, and tomatoes in a spicy sauce base. The Result is a flavorful and nutritious dish that will taste best on a bed of rice.
Learn More About Salted Hilsa Fish Curry with Vegetables
Hilsa Flavored Rice (Ilish Pulao)
If I had to simply describe this dish or compare it to something, I will say it is like biryani but made with fish, and not any other fish, the best fish known to bengali people, hilsa fish.Ilish pulao is probably on of the best dishes that can be made with hilsa fish. If you never have had this dish before, you are definitely missing out. To prepare this dish you will have to marinate the hilsa fish with spices and yogurt, then cook with basmati rice, fried onions, and green chilies. The dish is garnished with roasted cashews and raisins, offering a combination of delicate fish, aromatic rice, and harmonious spices, perfect for festive occasions.
Learn More About Hilsa Flavored Rice (Ilish Pulao)
Hilsa Fish Curry with Pineapple
If you want to add a tropical-ish very fruity and tangy twist to your regular hilsa curry you can try this recipe. I admit, combining hilsa fish with pineapple is not a very common choice of ingredients when it comes to making a fish curry. However the combination of pineapple and hilsa fish, cooked in a spicy coconut milk sauce is surprisingly excellent and I wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes one of your favorite recipes to try with hilsa fish . Also this dish is simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both regular meals and special gatherings.
Learn More About Hilsa Fish Curry with Pineapple
Hilsa with Lemon Leaf and Mustard
If you are familiar with Bengali eating culture then you surely know that a lot of us love to have a piece of lemon with every meal. Usually this piece of lemon is squeezed and enjoyed with the daal, which is almost a mandatory side dish with every bengali meal. But whenever we had a hilsa jhol, or hilsa curry I loved to add that fresh lemon juice with it. And this is quite a common practice in Bengali households as the lemon flavor somehow really boosts the taste of the hilsa curry. This particular dish really takes that lemon and hilsa combo to the next level. In this dish hilsa pieces are cooked with mustard paste and lemon leaves, the end result is an aromatic, and flavourful dish that will win your heart for sure.
Learn More about Hilsa with Lemon Leaf and Mustard
Shahi Ilish (Hilsa Korma)
If you are in the mood for something more rich and grand then shahi ilish is the dish you should go for. This is probably one of the dishes made with hilsa that everyone will like. So if you are cooking hilsa for a family gathering or party then this is definitely will definitely be a crowd pleaser. This royal hilsa dish features the fish cooked in a creamy, rich sauce made with yogurt, ghee, and a blend of spices including cardamom and cinnamon. The luxurious korma is garnished with fried onions and almonds, making it a decadent treat for special occasions.
Learn More About Shahi Ilish (Hilsa Korma)
Mustard Hilsa Steamed (Paturi)
Mustard and hilsa are truly a match made in heaven. So no recipe compilation will be ever complete without a recipe for shorshe ilish or hilsa with mustard. There are many different ways to cook hilsa with mustard. Stemming the hilsa in a rich and decadent mustard paste inside a banana leaf is one of the easiest ways to do it. However just because the recipe is easy to do does not compromise the taste . In fact, you will end up with one of the tastiest hilsa preparations by following this recipe.
Learn More About Mustard Hilsa Steamed (Paturi)
Whole Steamed Hilsa
Bengali dishes usually use a lot of different spices which enhances the taste of the dish but also takes away the simple and authentic taste of it. So if you want to get more of the natural flavor of the hilsa then try this whole steamed hilsa recipe. In this recipe a whole hilsa fish is marinated with spices and mustard paste, then steamed to perfection. None of the spices used are too overpowering and you will be able to enjoy a more authentic hilsa experience.
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